What is the current UQ salary for a HEW 1 employee?

From 11 July 2026, the full-time annual rate for HEW 1 is $63,318.15 per year, or $41.84 per hour casual (including 25% loading). The fortnightly rate is 2,426.97.

Does the national minimum wage apply to UQ staff?

No. The University of Queensland employees are covered by the UQ Enterprise Agreement, which sets higher rates. The national minimum wage only applies to award-free and agreement-free workers.

How does superannuation work with UQ salaries?

Super is an employer payment on top of the base salary. For continuing and fixed-term employees, the employer contributes 17% of ordinary time earnings. For casuals, the minimum Superannuation Guarantee of 12% applies.

Understanding UQ Salary Scales: Which Pay Floor Applies?

For UQ employees covered by the enterprise agreement, the pay floor is the agreement rate (e.g., HEW 1.01 casual $41.84/h from July 2026), not the national minimum wage.

Understanding UQ Salary Scales

When people search for "uq salary scales", they often want to know the minimum pay for University of Queensland staff and how it compares with the national floor. The answer depends on whether you are covered by the UQ Enterprise Agreement, a modern award, or the national minimum wage. This guide separates the legal minimum from the negotiated rates and explains which pay floor applies.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour. This rate applies only to employees who are not covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. Most UQ staff are covered by the enterprise agreement, so this is not their floor. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rates, but does not set them.

Award Rates and the Backstop

Modern awards set minimum rates for specific industries and occupations. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains these rates, updated after each Annual Wage Review. For example, from 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rose by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum. An introductory rate (first 6 months) cannot sit under $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. However, the UQ Enterprise Agreement wholly displaces any modern awards that would otherwise apply. Clause 3.3 of the agreement states that if the base rate under the agreement falls below the corresponding award rate, the employee will be paid at least the award rate. In practice, UQ rates are well above award minima.

UQ Enterprise Agreement Rates

The UQ Enterprise Agreement 2021–2026 covers academic and professional employees. The salary scales are published on the university’s website and are effective from 11 July 2026. For professional staff, the classification uses HEW levels. For example:

HEW 1.01 (Tech Assistant/Assistant Supervisor): $41.84 per hour casual (includes 25% loading), $63,318.15 per year full-time.
HEW 3.01 (Senior Tech Assistant/Chief Supervisor): $46.47 per hour casual.
HEW 4.01 (Reader or Scribe): $52.27 per hour casual.

These rates are significantly higher than the national minimum wage. The agreement also provides for 17% employer superannuation contributions for continuing and fixed-term employees, while casuals receive at least the Superannuation Guarantee of 12%. Super is paid on top of the salary, not deducted from it. The agreement’s salary increases are scheduled through to 31 January 2026, with the latest rates reflecting those adjustments.

Comparison with Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. A UQ HEW 1 full-time annual salary of $63,318.15 equates to about $1,217 per week, which is below the national average. However, higher HEW levels and academic classifications pay more. The UQ rates are negotiated between the university and unions, not set by a survey or the government.

Which Pay Floor Applies?

For UQ employees covered by the enterprise agreement, the pay floor is the agreement rate. For award-free and agreement-free workers, the national minimum wage or a modern award rate applies. If you are unsure, check your employment contract or the agreement that covers you. The Which minimum wage applies page can help you determine your correct floor, and our Rate tables show current national and award rates.

Key Takeaways

UQ salary scales are set by the enterprise agreement, not the national minimum wage.
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but UQ rates are higher.
Super is an employer payment on top: 17% for most UQ staff, 12% minimum for casuals.
Always check your specific classification and agreement for the exact rate.

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