What is the minimum wage for a firefighter in Melbourne?

The minimum wage depends on the sector. Under the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, a public sector Qualified Firefighter in Melbourne must be paid at least $42.32 per hour (or $1,607.97 per week including shift loadings). Private sector firefighters have a lower minimum of $29.45 per hour. Fire Rescue Victoria, the state fire service, pays above award rates.

How does the Fire Rescue Victoria salary compare to the award?

Fire Rescue Victoria pays significantly above the award minimum. For example, a Qualified Firefighter at FRV receives $1,738.86 per week, which is about $130 more per week than the award rate for the same classification. The FRV rates are set by an enterprise agreement and include allowances and shift loadings.

Is superannuation included in the firefighter salary figures?

No. The salary figures from both the award and Fire Rescue Victoria are before superannuation. Employers must pay super on top of these amounts. For FRV firefighters, the required super fund is the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme (ESSS). The national super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings.

Firefighter Salary Melbourne: Award Minimums vs Fire Rescue Victoria Pay Rates

The legal minimum for a Qualified Firefighter in Melbourne under the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020 is $42.32 per hour (public sector), while Fire Rescue Victoria pays approximately $45.76 per hour (based on $1,738.86 weekly).

Firefighter Salary Melbourne: What You Need to Know

If you are researching a firefighter salary in Melbourne, the answer depends on whether you work for a public sector employer like Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) or a private sector firefighting business. This guide explains the legal minimum pay floor, the actual rates paid by FRV, and how superannuation fits in.

Legal Minimum: The Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020

The Fair Work Commission’s Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020 (MA000111) sets the minimum pay for firefighters across Australia, including Melbourne. The award has separate rates for public sector and private sector employees. For a public sector Qualified Firefighter, the minimum weekly rate from 1 July 2026 is $1,607.97, which includes a 30% shift loading and an average 40-hour loading. This works out to $42.32 per hour. Private sector rates are lower: a Qualified Firefighter in the private sector earns a minimum of $1,119.10 per week ($29.45 per hour) without the built-in loadings.

It is important to note that the award rate is a floor. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can pay more, but never less. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the official pay guide and enforces compliance. If you are covered by the award, your employer must pay at least these amounts.

Actual Rates: Fire Rescue Victoria Salaries

Fire Rescue Victoria, the state fire service for Melbourne and regional Victoria, publishes its current salary rates on its website. These rates are set by an enterprise agreement and are higher than the award. For example:

Recruit Firefighter (during 20-week training): $1,113.60 per week
Firefighter Level 1 (after recruit course): $1,552.63 per week
Firefighter Level 2 (after 12 months): $1,581.36 per week
Firefighter Level 3 (after 24 months): $1,613.62 per week
Qualified Firefighter (after 36 months and certificate): $1,738.86 per week

Dividing the Qualified Firefighter weekly rate by 38 ordinary hours gives approximately $45.76 per hour. This is $3.44 per hour above the award minimum for the same classification. FRV also provides a defined-benefit superannuation scheme (ESSS) instead of the standard accumulation fund.

How Superannuation Works

All salary figures mentioned – both award and FRV – are before superannuation. Employers must pay super on top of your ordinary time earnings. The national super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026. For FRV employees, the required fund is the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme (ESSS), which is a defined-benefit scheme. This means your retirement benefit is based on a formula, not just your account balance.

Checking Your Own Rate

If you are a firefighter in Melbourne, here is how to check whether you are being paid correctly:

Identify your sector: Are you employed by a public sector fire service (like FRV) or a private company? This determines which award rate applies.
Find your classification: Recruit, Firefighter Level 1–3, Qualified Firefighter, Leading Firefighter, etc. Each has a different minimum.
Compare your hourly rate to the award minimum. For public sector, use the hourly rates in the award (e.g., $42.32 for Qualified). For private sector, use the lower hourly rates (e.g., $29.45 for Qualified).
Check your payslip for shift loadings, overtime, and allowances. The award requires a 30% shift loading for shiftworkers.
Remember super: Your employer must pay 12% super on top of your ordinary time earnings.

For more detailed guidance, see our Which minimum wage applies page or browse the Rate tables for award classifications.

What About the National Minimum Wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, this is a backstop for award-free employees. Firefighters are covered by a modern award, so the award minimum applies – which is higher than the national minimum. The national minimum only matters if you are not covered by any award or agreement.

Summary

A firefighter salary in Melbourne is governed by the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020, with public sector rates significantly higher than private sector. Fire Rescue Victoria pays above award, with a Qualified Firefighter earning about $1,738.86 per week. Always check your classification and sector to ensure you are receiving at least the legal minimum. Superannuation is additional, at 12% for most employees.

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