Electrical Engineer Salary: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Rates in Australia

Electrical engineer salary: award coverage versus award-free rates

When researching an electrical engineer salary in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor and the typical market rate. Electrical engineers are professionals whose pay is often set by enterprise agreements or individual contracts, but the national minimum wage and modern awards still act as backstops.

The legal minimum for award-free electrical engineers

If an electrical engineer is not covered by any modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week (Fair Work Ombudsman). Casual employees receive a 25% loading, giving a casual minimum of $33.05 per hour. Junior rates, apprentice rates, and supported wage rates can be lower for eligible employees.

Award coverage for electrical engineers

Many electrical engineers are covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020, which sets minimum rates for professional engineers, scientists, and IT professionals. This award has classification levels based on qualifications and experience. The rates under this award are higher than the national minimum wage. For example, a Level 1 professional engineer (graduate) under the Professional Employees Award earns a minimum weekly rate well above $1,000. However, the exact figures change each financial year. Always check the current award on the Fair Work Commission website.

It is a common misconception that electrical engineers fall under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. That award covers electrical trades workers (e.g., electricians, linespersons) and contracting employees, not professional engineers. The award’s classification table (grades 1–10) applies to electrical workers, with minimum rates from $26.44 to $37.24 per hour as at July 2026. Engineers performing professional duties are not classified under that award.

Survey median: what electrical engineers actually earn

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, through Jobs and Skills Australia, provides median earnings for electrical engineers. According to the latest data (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025), the median full‑time weekly earnings for electrical engineers is $2,553, and the median hourly earnings is $67 (). This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. It reflects the typical pay for experienced, full‑time electrical engineers across industries.

How superannuation fits in

All salary figures discussed are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For an engineer earning the median $2,553 per week, the employer would contribute an additional $306.36 per week to the employee’s super fund. This is not part of the take‑home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

When an award or agreement can set a higher rate

If a modern award covers the role, the employer must pay at least the award minimum. If an enterprise agreement applies, the agreement rate overrides the award, provided it passes the better‑off‑overall test. Individual flexibility arrangements can also adjust pay within limits. Always check the applicable instrument before relying on the national minimum wage.

Practical steps to check your pay floor

1. Identify whether you are covered by a modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Find my award tool can help.
2. If award‑free, the national minimum wage applies. Use our Rate tables to see current minimums.
3. If covered by an award, look up the classification and minimum rate. Our Guides explain how to read award pay tables.
4. Remember that enterprise agreements and individual contracts can pay more, but never less than the award or the national minimum.

For a deeper explanation of how we calculate these figures, see How the figures work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for an electrical engineer? There is no single minimum wage for electrical engineers. If award‑free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies. If covered by a modern award such as the Professional Employees Award, higher award rates apply. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

Are electrical engineers covered by the Electrical Contracting Award? No, the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 covers electrical trades and contracting workers (grades 1–10), not professional engineers. Electrical engineers are typically covered by the Professional Employees Award 2020 or are award‑free, depending on their duties and employer.

How does superannuation affect electrical engineer salary? Superannuation is an employer payment on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a median weekly salary of $2,553, the employer would contribute an additional $306.36 per week into the employee's super fund.