Barrister salary Australia: pay floors, award coverage and median earnings

What the keyword "barrister salary australia" covers

When people search for "barrister salary australia", they often want to know what a barrister earns or what the legal minimum is. This guide separates the legal pay floor from survey averages, explains award coverage, and notes that superannuation is an employer payment on top.

The legal minimum for employed barristers

For barristers who are employees (rather than self‑employed), 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 full‑time employee working 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate if award‑free. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rates.

No modern award specifically covers barristers. The Legal Services Award 2020 applies to legal clerical and administrative employees, law graduates and law clerks, but not to barristers. Therefore, an employed barrister who is award‑free and not covered by an enterprise agreement must be paid at least the national minimum wage. A registered enterprise agreement can require a higher rate.

Survey median from the ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, via Jobs and Skills Australia, provides median earnings for barristers who are full‑time non‑managerial employees. The latest data (May 2025) shows:

• Median full‑time weekly earnings: $3,495
• Median hourly earnings: $93
• Average full‑time hours worked per week: 48 hours

This median is significantly above the national minimum wage. It reflects the earnings of employed barristers (for example, those working in government or large firms). Self‑employed barristers are not captured in this survey, and their income can vary greatly depending on caseload and seniority.

Superannuation is on top

For employees, the superannuation guarantee requires employers to contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund. This is paid on top of the salary or wage. For a barrister earning the median $3,495 per week, the super contribution would be about $419 per week. The national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week attracts a super contribution of about $120.60 per week.

How the figures compare

To see how a barrister's pay compares with the national minimum, use our rate tables. For a broader explanation of how minimum wages work, see Which minimum wage applies. Remember that the figures in this guide are for orientation only and are not a pay determination or legal advice.

Key takeaways

• The legal minimum for an employed barrister is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week).
• The ABS median for full‑time employee barristers is $3,495 per week.
• Barristers are not covered by the Legal Services Award.
• Superannuation of 12% is an employer payment on top of salary.
• Self‑employed barristers are not subject to minimum wage laws.

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