What is the minimum hourly rate for a landscaper in Australia?

Under the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a full-time adult landscaper at Level 1 is $26.44 (or $1,004.90 per week). An introductory rate of $25.74 applies for the first six months. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour for Level 1.

Do landscapers get paid more than the award minimum?

Yes, many landscapers earn above the award rate, especially those with experience or in supervisory roles. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all industries were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, which is well above the award minimum. However, the award sets the legal floor; enterprise agreements or individual contracts can specify higher pay.

How does casual loading affect a landscaper's pay?

Casual landscapers under the award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 casual earns $33.05 per hour instead of $26.44. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements. Casual rates also apply to overtime and penalty rates, which are calculated on the loaded rate.

Landscaper Salary in Australia: Award Rates, Minimum Pay, and What to Expect

The minimum hourly rate for a full-time adult landscaper under the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award is $26.44 (Level 1), with an introductory rate of $25.74 for the first six months.

Understanding the Landscaper Salary in Australia

When researching a landscaper salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that pay is governed by the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award 2020 (MA000101). This award sets minimum wages, penalty rates, and conditions for employees in the industry. The Fair Work Commission determines the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforcement.

Legal Minimum vs Award Rates

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, the award for landscapers has its own classification structure with five levels plus an introductory level. The introductory rate ($25.74 per hour) applies only for the first six months of employment. After that, the lowest ongoing classification (Level 1) matches the national minimum wage. Higher classifications (Levels 2–5) require more skill and responsibility, with rates up to $30.38 per hour (Level 5).

It is important to note that an enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate than the award, but never lower. The award is the safety net.

Casual Loading and Penalty Rates

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 casual, that means $33.05 per hour. This loading is meant to compensate for the lack of paid leave, such as annual leave and sick leave. Overtime and penalty rates (e.g., public holidays, working outside ordinary hours due to water restrictions) are calculated on the loaded rate. For example, a Level 1 casual working on a public holiday earns $66.10 per hour (double the loaded rate).

Junior and Apprentice Rates

Not every landscaper receives the adult rate. Junior employees (under 21) are paid a percentage of the adult rate based on age. For example, an 18-year-old landscaper at Level 1 receives 80% of $26.44, or $21.15 per hour. Apprentices have their own pay structure: a first-year apprentice who started after 1 January 2014 and has completed Year 12 earns $16.20 per hour (55% of the Level 4 rate). Adult apprentices (21 and over) are paid at least 80% of the Level 4 rate in their first year, rising to 95% in the fourth year.

Comparison with National Averages

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all industries averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is roughly double the award minimum for a Level 1 landscaper. However, the ABS figure includes managers, professionals, and other high-paying roles. A more relevant comparison might be the average earnings for all employees ($1,579.20 per week), which still exceeds the award. This suggests that many landscapers negotiate above-award pay, especially those with experience or specialised skills.

Superannuation

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of the landscaper's ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For a full-time Level 1 landscaper earning $1,004.90 per week, the employer adds $120.59 per week to a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee's pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

How to Determine Your Pay Floor

If you are a landscaper, your minimum pay depends on your classification, age, and employment type (full-time, part-time, or casual). The award provides a clear structure, but you should also check if your employer is covered by an enterprise agreement that may offer better conditions. For award-free employees (rare in this industry), the national minimum wage applies, with junior percentages as set out in the Miscellaneous Award.

For more details, see our Rate tables and Topics pages.

Sources

The rates in this article are based on the Gardening and Landscaping Services Award 2020 as consolidated on 1 July 2026 and the official pay guide . National minimum wage and ABS earnings data are from the Fair Work Commission and the Australian Bureau of Statistics respectively.