Firefighter Salary WA: Award Rates and Minimum Pay Explained
The minimum pay floor for a firefighter in WA is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but the Fire Fighting Industry Award sets higher minimum rates, e.g., $29.45/h for a private sector qualified firefighter.
Firefighter Salary WA: Understanding the Pay Floor and Award Rates
When researching a firefighter salary WA, the first thing to know is that the legal minimum wage is not the rate most firefighters actually earn. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) applies only to award-free employees. In Western Australia, firefighters are almost always covered by the Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020 (MA000111), which sets higher minimum rates for both public and private sector workers.
Separating the Legal Minimum from the Award Rate
The national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. It is the absolute floor. However, the Fire Fighting Industry Award overrides this for employees within its coverage. The award contains detailed classification rates that are significantly higher than the national minimum.
For example, a private sector qualified firefighter under the award earns a minimum hourly rate of $29.45 (as of 1 July 2026). This is nearly $3 above the national minimum. Public sector rates are even higher because they include a 30% shift loading and an average 40 hours loading. A public sector qualified firefighter receives a total weekly rate of $1,607.97, which equates to about $42.32 per hour.
Award Rates vs. Negotiated Salaries
The award rates are minimums. Many firefighters in WA are employed under enterprise agreements that can provide higher pay, better conditions, or additional allowances. For instance, the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has registered agreements for private sector firefighters that may exceed the award. Always check if an enterprise agreement applies to your workplace, as it can set a higher rate than the award.
Superannuation Is Paid on Top
All salary figures mentioned here are base pay. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. So if a firefighter earns $29.45 per hour, the employer contributes an additional $3.53 per hour to the employee's super fund.
How the Figures Work
The award rates are updated each year on 1 July. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide that summarises the current rates. For the Fire Fighting Industry Award, the 2026 rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
For more detail on how minimum wages are calculated, see our How the figures work guide. You can also browse rate tables for other industries.
Key Points to Remember
- The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) is the backstop, but the award sets higher rates for firefighters.
- Private sector qualified firefighters: minimum $29.45/h.
- Public sector qualified firefighters: total weekly rate $1,607.97 (includes loadings).
- Super guarantee of 12% is paid on top of all ordinary time earnings.
- Enterprise agreements can provide higher pay than the award.
- Junior, apprentice, or trainee rates may apply in limited circumstances, but most firefighters are adult workers.
If you are unsure which rate applies to your situation, consult the award or an employer association. Our Guides section has more information on interpreting awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current firefighter salary in WA under the award?
The Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020 sets minimum rates for firefighters in WA. For a private sector qualified firefighter, the minimum hourly rate is $29.45 (as of 1 July 2026). Public sector rates are higher due to shift and average hours loadings, e.g., a qualified firefighter in the public sector receives a total weekly rate of $1,607.97. These are minimums; actual salaries may be higher under enterprise agreements.
Does the national minimum wage apply to firefighters in WA?
The national minimum wage ($26.44/h from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor for award-free employees. However, most firefighters are covered by the Fire Fighting Industry Award, which has higher minimum rates. If no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage would be the minimum, but that is unlikely for professional firefighters.
Is superannuation included in the firefighter salary figures?
No. The award rates shown are base pay. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, a private sector qualified firefighter earning $29.45/h would have an additional $3.53/h contributed to super.
Questions people ask next
What is the current firefighter salary in WA under the award?
The Fire Fighting Industry Award 2020 sets minimum rates for firefighters in WA. For a private sector qualified firefighter, the minimum hourly rate is $29.45 (as of 1 July 2026). Public sector rates are higher due to shift and average hours loadings, e.g., a qualified firefighter in the public sector receives a total weekly rate of $1,607.97. These are minimums; actual salaries may be higher under enterprise agreements.
Does the national minimum wage apply to firefighters in WA?
The national minimum wage ($26.44/h from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor for award-free employees. However, most firefighters are covered by the Fire Fighting Industry Award, which has higher minimum rates. If no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage would be the minimum, but that is unlikely for professional firefighters.
Is superannuation included in the firefighter salary figures?
No. The award rates shown are base pay. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, a private sector qualified firefighter earning $29.45/h would have an additional $3.53/h contributed to super.
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The legal minimum for award-covered firefighters in NSW is set by the Fire Fighting Industry Award; public sector rates (e.g., Firefighter Level 1 $38.00/h) are well above the national minimum of $26.44/h, but actual pay depends on classification, experience, and enterprise agreements.
- Firefighter salary QLD: How the Queensland Fire Department Certified Agreement sets your pay floor
The minimum base rate for a qualified firefighter in Queensland under the 2025 Certified Agreement is $2,677.65 per fortnight (about $35.23 per hour) from 1 August 2026, before allowances and super.
- Firefighter Salary Melbourne: Award Minimums vs Fire Rescue Victoria Pay Rates
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