Executive Assistant Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in Australia

Understanding the executive assistant salary in Australia

When researching an executive assistant salary, it’s important to separate the legal minimum from the award rate, a survey average, and a negotiated salary. This guide uses current public figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Clerks – Private Sector Award to help you compare a rate against the relevant pay floor.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. 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. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

However, not every worker must receive $26.44 an hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, employees on introductory award rates, and supported wages can be lower. For award-free employees under 21, the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes junior percentage rates. For example, a 16-year-old award-free junior receives $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate).

The award rate: Clerks – Private Sector Award

Most executive assistants in the private sector are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). The award sets minimum pay rates for each classification level. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Guide published 24 June 2026, the hourly rates (effective from 1 July 2026) include:

• Level 4: $32.67 per hour
• Level 5: $33.99 per hour
• Call centre technical: $37.24 per hour

An executive assistant is typically classified at Level 4 or Level 5, depending on the complexity of tasks, level of responsibility, and whether they supervise others. The award also provides penalty rates for weekend, public holiday, and shift work, as well as overtime.

Which minimum wage applies to you depends on whether you are covered by an award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings, but not a specific figure for executive assistants. As of May 2026, the ABS reported full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week and all employees average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week. These figures include all occupations and are not a reliable guide for an individual executive assistant salary.

Negotiated salaries can be higher than the award rate, especially in industries such as finance, legal, or technology. An enterprise agreement may also set higher rates. If you are covered by an agreement, check the Fair Work Commission’s website for the specific document.

Superannuation: an employer payment on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. For an executive assistant earning the award Level 4 rate of $32.67 per hour, the employer must also contribute $3.92 per hour to a super fund. The total employment cost is $36.59 per hour.

How to check your rate

Rate tables on this site show the national minimum wage and junior percentages. For award-covered employees, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or download the relevant Pay Guide. The Clerks Award Pay Guide includes all classification rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

Important notes

• The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them.
• A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum.
• Introductory rates in some awards may be lower for the first six months, but cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week from 1 July 2026.
• This information is for guidance only and is not a pay determination or legal advice.

FAQs

What award covers executive assistants?

Most executive assistants in the private sector are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). The award includes classification levels from Level 1 to Level 5, with executive assistants typically falling at Level 4 or Level 5 depending on the complexity of duties and level of autonomy. You can check the classification definitions in the award or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool.

How does superannuation affect the total executive assistant salary?

Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if an executive assistant earns the Clerks Award Level 4 hourly rate of $32.67, the employer must also pay an additional $3.92 per hour into the employee’s super fund. The super payment is not part of the take-home pay but is a compulsory retirement saving.

Can an enterprise agreement pay less than the award rate for an executive assistant?

No. An enterprise agreement must not provide for base pay rates that are less than the minimum rates in the relevant modern award. If an enterprise agreement applies, the total minimum hourly rate (including any loadings or allowances) must be at least equal to the award rate. The Fair Work Commission ensures that agreements pass the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) before approval.

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