Does the national minimum wage apply to AFP employees?

Yes, the national minimum wage is a legal floor, but the AFP enterprise agreement sets rates well above that floor. No AFP employee would receive less than the national minimum.

How is the AFP salary different from award rates?

AFP salary is set by an enterprise agreement, not by a modern award. The agreement provides higher pay and conditions than the relevant award would. Award-free employees who are not covered by any agreement must receive at least the national minimum wage.

Understanding the AFP salary: how it compares to minimum wage rates

Q: What superannuation do AFP employees receive?

The AFP contributes 15.4% superannuation on top of base salary, as per the enterprise agreement. This is higher than the 12% super guarantee that applies to most employees.

The AFP salary is governed by its enterprise agreement, with base rates starting at $64,754 per year for a Band 2.1 recruit, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

How the AFP salary is determined

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) sets its pay through an enterprise agreement, not through a modern award. The current AFP Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 outlines salary bands for all classifications, from Band 1 to Band 8 and Executive Levels . For example, a new recruit entering as a Band 2.1 receives a base salary of $64,754 per year (as of the commencement date in December 2024, with further increases scheduled). This is significantly above the national minimum wage.

Comparing AFP salary to the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. Even the lowest AFP base salary (Band 1.1 at $56,057 per year, or about $1,078 per week) exceeds the national minimum. Most AFP roles start at Band 2 or higher. The AFP's enterprise agreement ensures that all employees receive at least the national minimum, but in practice rates are much higher.

Award coverage versus award-free

For most Australian workers, a modern award sets minimum pay and conditions. However, AFP employees are covered by their enterprise agreement, which is a negotiated document that overrides the award. This means the AFP salary is not an award rate; it is a collectively bargained rate. If you are award-free (not covered by any award or agreement), the national minimum wage applies. But AFP employees are not award-free; they have the enterprise agreement.

Superannuation on top

When discussing the AFP salary, it's important to note that the AFP contributes 15.4% superannuation on top of base salary, as per the enterprise agreement . This is higher than the 12% super guarantee that applies to most employees. So the total remuneration package is even more attractive.

Internal links

For more details on how minimum wages apply to different workers, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also explore Rate tables for current award and national minimum rates.

Understanding the pay progression

The AFP enterprise agreement includes clear incremental steps within each band. For example, a police officer progresses from Band 2.1 as a college recruit to Band 2.4 upon graduation, then through Band 3 and beyond with years of service. The agreement also provides for higher duties allowances and composite payments. These are all in addition to the base salary.

What this means for you

If you are considering a career with the AFP, the salary is competitive and well above minimum standards. The enterprise agreement guarantees annual increases and a strong superannuation contribution. For workers in other industries, it's important to check whether you are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement, as your minimum pay may be higher than the national minimum.

For more information on how the national minimum wage applies to award-free employees, see our How the figures work page. You can also browse Topics for guides on specific industries.