What is the minimum wage for a real estate agent in Australia?

It depends on whether you are covered by the Real Estate Industry Award. If you are, the minimum hourly rates range from $26.59 (Level 1, first 12 months) to $33.88 (Level 4) for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies. Always check your classification and any enterprise agreement that may set a higher rate.

How does the average real estate agent salary compare to the award minimum?

According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for real estate sales agents is $1,504, which is well above the award minimums. For example, a Level 2 representative on the award earns $1,119.10 per week. The median figure includes experienced agents and those on commission, so it is not a guaranteed starting salary.

Is superannuation included in the quoted pay rates?

No. Superannuation is paid on top of the base salary or wage. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if you earn $1,504 per week, your employer must also contribute an additional $180.48 per week to your super fund. Award rates and the national minimum wage do not include super.

Average real estate agent salary: award minimums, median earnings, and your take-home pay

The minimum pay for a real estate employee under the award ranges from $26.59 to $33.88 per hour depending on classification, while the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour; the median full-time weekly earnings for real estate sales agents is $1,504 before tax.

What the "average real estate agent salary" really means

When people search for the average real estate agent salary, they often want a single number. In reality, pay in the real estate industry depends on your classification, experience, whether you are award-covered or award-free, and whether you work full-time, part-time, or casually. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages and award rates, so you can see where your pay sits.

The legal floor: national minimum wage and award rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. However, most real estate employees are covered by the Real Estate Industry Award, which sets higher minimums. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the award pay guide, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Under the award, full-time and part-time employees are classified into four levels:

Level 1 (associate) – first 12 months: $26.59 per hour ($1,010.60 per week)
Level 1 – after 12 months: $28.00 per hour ($1,063.90 per week)
Level 2 (representative): $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week)
Level 3 (supervisory): $32.39 per hour ($1,231.00 per week)
Level 4 (in-charge): $33.88 per hour ($1,287.30 per week)

Casual employees receive a 25% loading, so the casual hourly rates range from $33.24 (Level 1 first 12 months) to $42.35 (Level 4). Junior employees (under 21) are paid a percentage of the adult rate, as set out in the award. For example, a 17-year-old at Level 1 first 12 months earns $15.96 per hour as a full-time or part-time employee, or $19.95 per hour as a casual.

If you are not covered by any award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. But an award or agreement can never set a rate lower than the national minimum. For more on which pay floor applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Survey averages: what the ABS finds

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, through the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), reports median full-time weekly earnings for Real Estate Sales Agents (occupation code 6121) at $1,504. The median hourly earnings are $40. These figures are before tax and do not include superannuation. They cover full-time non-managerial adult employees.

This median is significantly higher than the award minimums, reflecting that many agents earn commissions or bonuses on top of a base salary. However, the median is not a starting wage; it includes experienced agents and those in high-performing roles. The ABS notes that these figures are a guide only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

What you take home: tax, Medicare, and super

Your take-home pay depends on your gross earnings, tax withheld, and the Medicare levy. For the 2026-27 tax year, resident rates with the full tax-free threshold apply. Medicare is estimated at 2% once annualised ordinary gross income reaches $30,000. The low-income tax offset and other offsets can reduce tax for lower earners.

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, on the median weekly earnings of $1,504, your employer must contribute an extra $180.48 per week to your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a valuable benefit.

How to find your correct rate

To determine which pay floor applies to you, start by checking if you are covered by the Real Estate Industry Award. If you are, your minimum rate is the award classification rate. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies. An enterprise agreement may set a higher rate. For more guidance, visit Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Remember: the figures in this article are a guide only. They do not constitute a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional for your specific situation.