Project manager salary Melbourne: award coverage versus award-free rates

Project manager salary Melbourne: understanding the pay floor

When researching a project manager salary Melbourne, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. This guide explains the different pay floors and how they compare with broader earnings data.

The legal minimum for a project manager in Melbourne

For employees not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week . Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. However, this is the absolute floor. Most project managers in Melbourne are covered by an award, which typically sets higher minimum rates.

Some employees may be paid less than the national minimum if they are juniors, apprentices, trainees, or on introductory award rates. For example, award-free juniors under 21 have percentage-based minimums, and award introductory rates can be as low as $25.74 per hour for the first six months . But these are exceptions; a qualified project manager is usually an adult and likely covered by an award.

Award coverage for project managers

Many project managers in Melbourne fall under the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers professional engineering, IT, and scientific roles. The award sets minimum pay rates based on classification levels. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates for each award . However, the database does not provide a single "project manager" rate; you need to find the correct classification based on duties and qualifications.

If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates than the award. Always check your specific instrument. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help you calculate the correct minimum pay for your situation .

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that in May 2026, full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week across all occupations. This is a useful benchmark but not specific to project managers in Melbourne. Project manager salaries can vary significantly by industry, experience, and employer. For example, a project manager in construction may earn differently from one in IT. The ABS does not publish a dedicated "project manager salary Melbourne" figure.

Negotiated salaries are often above award rates. The legal minimum is just the starting point; many project managers earn well above it. However, without a specific survey from a reputable source like the ABS or a professional body, we cannot provide a precise median. Always consider the total package, including superannuation.

How superannuation fits

Employers must pay superannuation on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if a project manager's base salary is $80,000 per year, the employer contributes an additional $9,600 into super. The salary figures discussed (minimum wage, award rates, averages) are all before super. When comparing offers, factor in super as an additional benefit.

Summary

• The legal minimum for an award-free adult project manager in Melbourne is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026.
• Most project managers are covered by an award (e.g., Professional Employees Award) or enterprise agreement, which sets higher minimum rates.
• The ABS average for all full-time adults is $2,083.70 per week, but this is not project-manager-specific.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of the salary.

For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and How the figures work.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.