Clerks Award Pay Rates 2026–27
Minimum pay under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 [MA000002] from 1 July 2026: hourly, weekly and casual rates for every level, weekend and public holiday rates, and what you take home after tax.
This award covers administrative and office staff in private businesses, including receptionists, data entry and call centre staff. The rates are for adults (21 and over) and come from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide.
Minimum rates from 1 July 2026
| Classification | Weekly (full-time) | Hourly | Casual hourly | Full-time weekly take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1, year 1 | $1,024.70 | $26.97 | $33.71 | $889.41 |
| Level 1, year 2 | $1,073.10 | $28.24 | $35.30 | $921.59 |
| Level 1, year 3 | $1,106.20 | $29.11 | $36.39 | $943.61 |
| Level 2, year 1 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $952.18 |
| Level 2, year 2 | $1,139.90 | $30.00 | $37.50 | $966.02 |
| Level 3 | $1,182.10 | $31.11 | $38.89 | $994.08 |
| Level 4 | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $40.84 | $1,033.52 |
| Level 5 | $1,291.80 | $33.99 | $42.49 | $1,067.03 |
Full-time is 38 ordinary hours a week. Casual rates include the 25% casual loading. Take-home pay is for a full 2026–27 year, claiming the tax-free threshold, with no HECS-HELP; select it to see your own figures in the weekly pay calculator.
Weekend and public holiday rates
| When you work | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday (ordinary hours, 7 am to 12.30 pm) | 125% | 150% |
| Sunday | 200% | 225% |
| Public holiday | 250% | 275% |
- Saturday work outside ordinary hours, and shiftwork, have different rates. Check the pay guide for your hours.
- For example, at Level 1, year 1 ($26.97 an hour), Saturday work pays $33.71 an hour for full-time and part-time employees.
Work out a week with weekend shifts and overtime in the overtime and penalty rates calculator, where every rate can be changed to match your award.
Super and leave
Your employer pays 12% super on top of your ordinary pay, including penalty rates for ordinary hours but not overtime. Full-time and part-time employees also get paid annual leave and personal leave; casuals get the casual loading instead. See the penalty rates and overtime guide.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 pay guide, published 24 June 2026; award text. These are minimums only; check the pay guide for junior, apprentice and allowance rates. Not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I’m covered by the clerks award?
Awards apply by industry and job. The Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 covers administrative and office staff in private businesses, including receptionists, data entry and call centre staff. Your employment contract, payslips or employer should name your award and level, and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides and Find my award tool can confirm it.
Can I be paid more than these rates?
Yes. These are the legal minimums for adults. Your employer can pay more, and an enterprise agreement can set different rates, as long as you are better off overall. Junior employees and apprentices have lower minimum rates under most awards.
When do the new rates start?
From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, after the Fair Work Commission’s 4.75% Annual Wage Review increase. Award rates are reviewed every year, with changes from 1 July.