Are legal assistants covered by an award?

Yes, legal assistants are typically covered by the Legal Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum hourly rates above the national minimum wage for different classification levels. If an employer is not covered by that award (e.g., some state‑system employers), the national minimum wage applies as a backstop. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates.

Does the legal assistant salary include superannuation?

No, the salary figures quoted (such as the national minimum wage or award rates) are base rates. The superannuation guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into the employee's super fund. This is on top of the salary, not included in the hourly or weekly rate.

Legal assistant salary: award coverage and the national minimum wage floor

Q: What is the minimum wage for a legal assistant in Australia?

If a legal assistant is award‑free and not covered by an enterprise agreement, the legal floor is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. However, most legal assistants are covered by the Legal Services Award, which sets higher minimum rates. The exact award rate depends on the classification level and is not provided in this reference. Always check the award pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The legal floor for a legal assistant is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but many legal assistants are covered by the Legal Services Award which sets higher minimum rates not included in this reference.

Understanding the legal assistant salary floor

When you search for a legal assistant salary, you are likely looking for a benchmark to compare your pay or an offer. In Australia, the answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award‑free. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries, using the figures from the on‑site reference.

The national minimum wage as a backstop

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour ordinary week. For casual employees, the loading brings it to $33.05 per hour. This is the absolute legal floor for award‑free employees who are 21 or over. Junior rates apply for those under 21 (e.g., $18.06 per hour at 18, $21.82 at 19). Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award.

If a legal assistant is not covered by any award or agreement, their pay cannot fall below these figures. However, many legal assistants are covered by the Legal Services Award, which sets higher minimum rates. The on‑site reference does not include those award classification rates, so we cannot give a precise figure here. You should consult the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for the Legal Services Award.

Award coverage for legal assistants

The Legal Services Award 2020 covers employees in law firms, legal departments, and similar settings. It includes classifications such as Legal Administrative Assistant, Law Clerk, and Paralegal. Each classification has a minimum hourly rate higher than the national minimum. For example, a Level 1 Legal Administrative Assistant may receive a rate above $26.44, while more experienced roles command higher rates. Because the reference does not list these award rates, we cannot state a specific number. The award also provides for annualised salary arrangements, overtime, and penalty rates.

If your employer is not in the national system (e.g., some state public sector or local government), a state award may apply. The national minimum wage still acts as a floor, but the applicable award may differ.

The difference between award rates and negotiated salaries

Award rates are the minimum an employer must pay under that award. Many legal assistants earn above the award rate through negotiation, especially in private practice or corporate legal departments. Survey averages from sources like the ABS (which reported $2,083.70 per week for full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings in May 2026) reflect a broader market, not a legal requirement. A negotiated salary can be any amount above the award minimum, agreed between employer and employee. It may include benefits like flexible hours or additional leave.

Remember: an enterprise agreement can also set higher rates than the award, but it must pass the better‑off‑overall test. The national minimum wage is always the ultimate floor.

Superannuation on top

Whenever pay is discussed, remember that the superannuation guarantee is an employer payment on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if a legal assistant earns $26.44 per hour, the employer must also contribute $3.17 per hour to super. This is not deducted from the salary; it is additional. The figures in this guide (national minimum, award rates, etc.) are base rates before super.

How the figures work

This site uses official sources: the Fair Work Commission for the national minimum wage, the Fair Work Ombudsman for award information, and the ABS for earnings data. The adult weekly national minimum is the published $1,004.90 figure (note that $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.72 due to rounding; the official weekly rate takes precedence). Casual weekly figures are the casual hourly rate times 38 hours, with no penalty rates included.

For more detail on which minimum wage applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. To compare rates across awards and years, visit the Rate tables.

Final note

This guide is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. If you need a precise legal assistant salary figure, check the Legal Services Award pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman or consult your employer or a union. The national minimum wage is the safety net, but most legal assistants will be entitled to more under their award or agreement.

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