Hays Salary Guide vs Award Coverage: Understanding Your Pay Floor

Hays Salary Guide and the Legal Minimum Wage

The Hays Salary Guide is a widely referenced survey of salaries and contractor rates across industries in Australia. It provides a snapshot of what employers are offering for specific roles. However, it is not a legal document. The actual minimum you must be paid depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This article explains how the Hays guide relates to Australia's pay floors.

The National Minimum Wage (Award-Free Employees)

If you are not covered by any award or registered agreement, you are entitled to the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, this is:

• $26.44 per hour
• $1,004.90 per week (based on 38 ordinary hours)
• $33.05 per hour for casual employees (includes 25% loading)

This rate applies to adult employees (21 and over). Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees with a disability may be paid less under special national minimum wages. For example, a 17-year-old award-free junior receives $15.29 per hour (57.8% of the adult rate).

Award Coverage and Minimum Award Wages

Most Australian employees are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries or occupations. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. However, the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week). Introductory rates (limited to the first 6 months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you are covered by an award, your employer must pay at least the award rate for your classification. The Hays Salary Guide may show rates above the award, but the award is the legal floor. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to check your award rate.

Enterprise Agreements

Some workplaces have an enterprise agreement that sets minimum pay and conditions. The base rate in an agreement cannot be less than the base rate in the relevant award. Enterprise agreements often provide higher wages than the award. The Hays Salary Guide may reflect rates similar to those in some agreements, but always refer to your specific agreement for your minimum entitlement.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

All minimum wages and award rates are base pay. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). For an employee on the national minimum wage, the total employer cost is about $29.61 per hour including super. The Hays Salary Guide usually quotes base salary; factor in super when comparing total remuneration.

How the Hays Salary Guide Compares

The Hays Salary Guide is a useful tool for understanding market trends and negotiating salary. However, it is a survey, not a legal requirement. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 – well above the national minimum. This reflects that most employees earn more than the floor. If the Hays guide suggests a rate below the award or national minimum for your role, the legal minimum prevails.

Key Takeaways

• The Hays Salary Guide provides market benchmarks, not legal minima.
• Your pay floor is set by the national minimum wage (if award-free) or your award/agreement.
• Superannuation (12%) is paid on top of base pay.
• Award rates can be higher than the national minimum; check your award.
• For award-free juniors, apprentices, and trainees, special rates apply.

For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Hays Salary Guide differ from the national minimum wage?

The Hays Salary Guide is a survey of advertised salaries and contractor rates, reflecting market demand and supply. It is not a legal minimum. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) is the statutory floor for award-free employees. Award-covered employees must receive at least the award rate, which may be higher. The Hays guide can help you benchmark your salary, but your employer must pay at least the applicable legal minimum.

If I am covered by an award, can my pay be lower than the Hays Salary Guide?

Yes. The award rate is the legal minimum for your classification. The Hays Salary Guide shows typical market rates, which are often above award rates. Your employer may pay you the award rate or a negotiated salary above it. The award rate cannot be less than the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour) for ongoing employees, but introductory rates (first 6 months) can be as low as $25.74 per hour. Always check your specific award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Does the Hays Salary Guide include superannuation?

The Hays Salary Guide typically reports base salaries excluding superannuation. In Australia, employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). When comparing a Hays figure to your total remuneration, add 12% for super. The national minimum wage and award rates are also base rates; super is paid on top. For example, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour means total employer cost of about $29.61 per hour including super.

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