What is the minimum wage for a surveyor under the Surveying Award 2020?

The Surveying Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates from $26.44 (Level 12) to $49.09 (Level 1) as of 1 July 2026. The rate you receive depends on your classification, which is based on your qualifications and duties. Professional surveyors (Level 1) are paid the highest minimum, while entry-level or technical roles fall into lower levels.

How does the surveyor salary compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. Most surveyors covered by the Surveying Award are paid above this floor because the award's lowest classification (Level 12) matches the national minimum, and higher classifications are significantly more. Award-free surveyors would receive the national minimum, but this is rare as the award covers most professional surveyors and related employees.

Do surveyors receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee, currently 12% of ordinary time earnings, on top of the surveyor's salary. This is a legal requirement under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 and applies regardless of whether the employee is covered by an award or is award-free.

Surveyor salary: award coverage versus award-free rates

The legal minimum for a surveyor depends on the award classification, with rates from $26.44 per hour (Level 12) up to $49.09 per hour (Level 1) under the Surveying Award 2020, while the ABS reports a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,300.

Surveyor salary and the legal minimum

When researching a surveyor salary in Australia, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from typical market pay. The legal minimum is set by the Surveying Award 2020 [MA000066], which covers employers throughout Australia who employ professional surveyors and other employees in the classifications listed in the award. The Fair Work Commission determines the national minimum wage each year, but the award overrides that for covered employees by providing higher minimum rates for most classifications.

Award rates vs national minimum

The Surveying Award 2020, as consolidated to 1 July 2026, includes a classification structure from Level 12 (lowest) to Level 1 (highest). The minimum hourly rates are:

Level 12: $26.44
Level 11: $27.55
Level 10: $29.45
Level 9: $31.30
Level 8: $33.77
Level 7: $34.46
Level 6: $35.38
Level 5: $37.24
Level 4: $38.16
Level 3: $39.83
Level 2: $43.54
Level 1: $49.09

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Only the lowest award classification (Level 12) sits at this floor; all other levels are higher. For example, a graduate surveyor or licensed surveyor would typically be classified at Level 1 or Level 2, earning well above the national minimum. The award also includes junior rates (as a percentage of Level 10) and phasing-in rates for employees with qualifications but without relevant work experience.

What the ABS says about typical surveyor salary

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, reports that surveyors and spatial scientists have median full-time weekly earnings of $2,300 and median hourly earnings of $56. This is significantly above the award minimums, reflecting the specialised skills, registration requirements, and experience typical in the profession. The ABS data also shows that 93% of surveyors work full-time, with average full-time hours of 46 per week. These figures are a guide only and do not represent a legal minimum; actual pay depends on qualifications, location, and employer.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing a surveyor salary, remember that the superannuation guarantee (currently 12%) is an employer payment on top of the base salary. For example, an employee earning the Level 1 award rate of $49.09 per hour would also receive super contributions of about $5.89 per hour, bringing total remuneration to approximately $54.98 per hour. The super guarantee applies to ordinary time earnings and is separate from the wage rate.

When an award or agreement can set a higher rate

A modern award, such as the Surveying Award 2020, sets the minimum conditions for a particular industry or occupation. An enterprise agreement negotiated between an employer and employees can provide higher rates and better conditions, but it cannot undercut the award minimum. If you are covered by the Surveying Award, your employer must pay at least the rate for your classification. If you are award-free (rare for surveyors), the national minimum wage applies. Always check your classification and any applicable agreement to ensure you are receiving the correct minimum.

Award-free surveyors

Most professional surveyors are covered by the Surveying Award 2020. However, if you work in a role not covered by any modern award and no enterprise agreement applies, the national minimum wage is the legal floor. In practice, this is uncommon for surveyors because the award has a broad coverage clause. If you are unsure, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or use the Which minimum wage applies tool on this site.

For detailed rate tables and classification definitions, see our Rate tables page. For more on how award and award-free rates interact, visit our Guides section.

Summary

The legal minimum for a surveyor under the Surveying Award 2020 ranges from $26.44 to $49.09 per hour depending on classification.
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but most surveyors are paid above this due to award coverage.
The ABS median full-time weekly earnings for surveyors is $2,300, well above award minimums.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of the salary.
Enterprise agreements can set higher rates but cannot undercut the award.