What is the legal minimum wage for a cyber security worker in Australia?

The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If you are award/agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). If a modern award covers your role, the award rate will be higher. For example, ICT Security Specialists may be covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets minimum rates above the national minimum. Always check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer.

How does the median cyber security salary compare to the national minimum?

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists (which includes cyber security roles) is $2,284. That is more than double the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week. However, the median is a survey average, not a legal entitlement. Your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do I have to be paid super on top of my cyber security salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the super guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings. This applies to both award-covered and award-free employees. For example, if your salary is $2,284 per week, your employer must contribute an additional $274.08 per week into your super fund. Super is not part of your take-home pay but is an additional benefit.

Cyber Security Salary Australia: Median Earnings and the National Minimum Wage

The median full-time weekly earnings for ICT Security Specialists are $2,284, well above the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026).

Cyber Security Salary Australia: What the Figures Show

When searching for a cyber security salary australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum you must be paid and the typical earnings reported in surveys. This guide uses the latest public data from the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and Jobs and Skills Australia to give you a clear picture.

The Legal Minimum Wage Floor

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to adult employees in the national system who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement.

However, most cyber security roles are likely covered by a modern award, such as the Professional Employees Award 2020 or the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020. Award minimum rates are higher than the national minimum. For example, the Professional Employees Award has classification levels that start above $26.44 per hour. If you are award-covered, your employer must pay at least the award rate for your classification. Enterprise agreements can set even higher rates. Always check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer to confirm which pay instrument applies.

Survey Median: The Typical Cyber Security Salary

Jobs and Skills Australia publishes median earnings for occupations. For the group "Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists" (ANZSCO 2621), which includes ICT Security Specialists (262112), the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,284 before tax. This is based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2023. The median hourly rate is $59.00. These figures are a guide only and reflect full-time, non-managerial adult employees.

It is important to note that this median is a statistical average, not a legal requirement. Your actual cyber security salary australia may be higher or lower depending on your experience, certifications, location (e.g., Sydney vs. regional areas), and the size of your employer.

Award Rates vs. Negotiated Salaries

If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum pay is set by the award classification. For example, the Professional Employees Award has levels from Graduate to Senior Professional. The award rate for a Level 1 employee (entry-level) is around $28–$30 per hour (after the 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026), while a Level 4 or 5 professional may earn $40–$50 per hour. These are minimums; many employers pay above award to attract talent.

Negotiated salaries are common in cyber security. A contract or enterprise agreement can specify a higher rate than the award. If you are award-free, your salary is negotiated directly, but it cannot fall below the national minimum wage (or the applicable junior/apprentice rate if you are under 21 or a trainee).

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

All employers must pay the super guarantee of 12% on your ordinary time earnings. This is on top of your salary. For example, if your weekly pay is $2,284, your employer must contribute an additional $274.08 to your super fund. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra cost to the employer. When comparing job offers, consider the total package including super.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026-27 tax year, resident rates apply with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare is estimated at 2% once annualised ordinary gross income reaches $30,000. Using the median weekly earnings of $2,284 (annualised $118,768), the estimated weekly tax (including Medicare) would be around $550–$600, leaving a take-home of about $1,684–$1,734. This is a rough guide; individual circumstances vary. The low income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice are not included here.

Which Minimum Wage Applies to You?

To determine your exact pay floor, start with Which minimum wage applies on this site. If you are covered by a modern award, check the Rate tables for your classification. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage is your floor. Remember that juniors, apprentices, and trainees have different rates. For award-free juniors, the percentages of the adult rate apply (e.g., 18-year-old: $18.06 per hour).

Summary

Legal minimum (award-free): $26.44/h or $1,004.90/week (from 1 July 2026).
Typical median (ICT Security Specialist): $2,284/week (survey average).
Award rates: Higher than the national minimum; check the relevant award.
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.

For more details on how these figures are calculated, see our How the figures work page. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation.