What is the minimum wage for HVAC technicians in Australia?

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adults not covered by an award or agreement. Most HVAC technicians are covered by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Award, which sets higher minimum rates. The award minimums increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour.

How does the HVAC award rate compare to the national minimum wage?

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Award typically sets rates above the national minimum. For example, a qualified HVAC technician (Level 1) under the award earns a higher minimum than $26.44 per hour. The exact award rate depends on classification and experience. You can check the specific rate using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. The award also includes penalty rates for overtime, weekends, and public holidays.

What is the average HVAC salary in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics is $2,100, and the median hourly earnings is $51. This is a survey average for full-time non-managerial adult employees. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, employer, and whether the worker is covered by an enterprise agreement. Remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of these earnings.

HVAC Salary Guide 2026: Minimum Rates, Award Pay & Median Earnings

The national minimum wage for HVAC technicians is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but award-covered workers may receive higher rates, and the median full-time HVAC salary is $2,100 per week before tax.

Understanding the HVAC Salary in Australia

When researching an HVAC salary in Australia, it's important to distinguish between the legal minimum, the award rate, and what workers actually earn. This guide breaks down each layer so you can compare your pay or set expectations.

The Legal Minimum Wage for HVAC Workers

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. This is the absolute floor for award-free and agreement-free employees. However, most HVAC technicians are covered by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Award, which overrides the national minimum with higher minimum rates specific to the occupation.

The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that modern award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates for the first six months are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

Award Rates vs Survey Averages

While the award sets a minimum, the actual HVAC salary often exceeds it. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports median earnings for airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics (ANZSCO 3421) at $2,100 per week full-time, or $51 per hour. This is a survey average for full-time non-managerial adult employees, not a legal minimum. Jobs and Skills Australia notes that 91% of these workers are full-time, working an average of 43 hours per week.

It's crucial to understand that the award rate is the legal minimum you must be paid, while the median is a statistical midpoint. Many experienced technicians earn above the median, especially those with specialised skills or working under enterprise agreements.

Negotiated Salaries and Enterprise Agreements

Some HVAC employers operate under enterprise agreements, which can set higher rates than the award. These agreements are negotiated between employers and employees (or unions) and must pass the 'better off overall test' compared to the award. If you work under an enterprise agreement, your base rate cannot be less than the award rate for your classification.

For award-free workers (rare in HVAC), the national minimum applies, but juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates. Apprentice rates for award-free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award.

Tax, Medicare, and Super on Your HVAC Salary

When discussing an HVAC salary, remember that the figures quoted are before tax. From your gross weekly earnings, you will pay income tax and Medicare (2% once annual income exceeds $30,000). The low income tax offset may reduce tax for lower earners.

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if your base salary is $2,100 per week, your employer must also contribute $252 per week to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.

How to Find Your Exact Rate

To determine your correct minimum wage, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. The database contains spreadsheets with classification rates, allowances, and penalty rates for each modern award, including the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Award.

If you are unsure which award applies, read the coverage clause in the award summary. Your employer must provide a copy of the award or agreement that covers you.

Summary

The HVAC salary landscape in Australia has three tiers: the national minimum wage ($26.44/h), the award rate (higher, specific to classification), and the market median ($51/h). Most HVAC technicians earn above the minimum, but always verify your award coverage. Remember that super is paid on top, and tax is deducted from your gross pay.

For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide or browse Rate tables for award classifications.

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