Pharmacy assistant pay under the award
A pharmacy assistant’s minimum salary is set by the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012), which Fair Work reviews each year. From 1 July 2026, the award rates increased by 4.75%, in line with the national minimum wage decision. The award classifies pharmacy assistants into four levels based on skill and responsibility. For a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours a week, the minimum weekly rates are:
- Level 1: $1,056.80 per week ($27.81 per hour)
- Level 2: $1,081.00 per week ($28.45 per hour)
- Level 3: $1,119.10 per week ($29.45 per hour)
- Level 4: $1,165.10 per week ($30.66 per hour)
Multiplying by 52 weeks gives an annual salary range of roughly $54,954 to $60,585 before tax. These are the minimums; many pharmacy assistants earn above award, especially in shortage areas or with experience. The award also covers pharmacy students, interns and pharmacists, with pharmacists starting at $1,586.30 per week ($41.74 per hour).
How it compares to the national line
The national full-time adult average ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line used on this site. A pharmacy assistant at Level 4 earns about 56% of that average. The all-employees median (including part-time and casual) is about $74,100 a year, while the full-time median is about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). A pharmacy assistant’s award salary sits below both medians, reflecting the role’s typical entry-level or intermediate status in retail pharmacy.
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 a year on 38 hours. A Level 1 pharmacy assistant at $27.81 per hour is just above the minimum, while Level 4 is about 16% above it. Place a salary on the line to see exactly where a pharmacy assistant’s pay sits relative to the national average.
Reading the same pay as a year, a week and an hour
Because the award states both weekly and hourly rates, it’s easy to convert. For a Level 2 pharmacy assistant:
- Hourly: $28.45
- Weekly (38 hours): $1,081.00
- Yearly (52 weeks): $56,212
This is before tax. For the 2026–27 financial year, an employee earning $56,212 would pay no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% on the next $26,800, then 30% on the remainder up to $45,000, and so on, plus the 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay would be roughly $46,000–$47,000 depending on deductions.
State full-time averages vary. For example, the average in New South Wales is about $109,658, in Victoria $106,137, and in Western Australia $115,825. A pharmacy assistant’s award salary is well below all state averages. States and territories shows how each region compares. Job medians can help see how pharmacy assistant pay ranks among other occupations.
What the award covers beyond base pay
The award includes penalty rates for work outside standard hours. Ordinary hours are Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm. Work between 7 am and 8 am attracts 150% of the base rate; between 7 pm and 9 pm, 125%; and between 9 pm and midnight, 150%. Saturday work from 8 am to 6 pm pays 125%, while Saturday morning (7 am to 8 am) pays 150%. Sunday and public holiday rates are higher. These loadings can add significantly to weekly earnings for those working evenings or weekends.
Overtime is paid at 150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter (Monday to Saturday), with higher rates on Sundays and public holidays. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base rate.
How the figures are set
The award rates are determined by the Fair Work Commission after annual wage reviews. The 2026 increase of 4.75% applied to all award minimums. The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year (May and November), and the Employee Earnings survey provides medians every two years. How the figures are set explains the methodology behind the national line and medians.
For the most accurate picture of your own pay, check your pay slip against the award classification. If you work under an enterprise agreement, your rate may be higher. Guides offers tips on understanding your pay and entitlements.
About this site explains how we use ABS and Fair Work data to help you see where your salary sits on the line.