Lollipop man salary: what a school crossing supervisor can expect to earn in Australia

What is a lollipop man salary?

When people search for "lollipop man salary", they usually want to know how much a school crossing supervisor earns in Australia. The answer depends on which award or agreement covers the role, your age, and whether you are casual or permanent. This guide helps you separate the legal minimum from the award rate and the average earnings, so you can check any hourly or weekly figure you come across.

The legal minimum: the national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This is the absolute floor for adult employees who are not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules.

However, most school crossing supervisors are covered by a modern award. The most common is the Local Government Industry Award, but some states have their own state awards for local government employees. Award rates are almost always higher than the national minimum. From 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, and the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates (for the first 6 months) cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

So if you see a figure quoted for a lollipop man salary, the first question is: which award applies? If the role is award‑free, the national minimum is the floor. If an award applies, the award rate is the legal minimum – and it could be several dollars higher.

Separating the minimum from the average

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings. In May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and the average total earnings for all employees (including part‑time and casual) were $1,579.20 per week. These are broad averages, not specific to school crossing supervisors. They include many higher‑paid roles, so they are not a target for a lollipop man salary. The legal minimum is the only guaranteed figure.

How superannuation fits in

Employers must pay the super guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an additional contribution to your super fund. For example, if your hourly rate is $26.44, your employer pays an extra $3.17 per hour into super. When comparing a lollipop man salary to other jobs, remember that super is part of your total remuneration package.

What about juniors, apprentices, and casuals?

Not every worker receives $26.44 per hour. Award‑free junior employees (under 21) are paid a percentage of the national minimum wage based on age. For example:

• Under 16: $9.73 per hour (casual $12.16)
• Age 16: $12.51 per hour (casual $15.64)
• Age 17: $15.29 per hour (casual $19.11)
• Age 18: $18.06 per hour (casual $22.58)
• Age 19: $21.82 per hour (casual $27.28)
• Age 20: $25.84 per hour (casual $32.30)
• Age 21 and over: $26.44 per hour (casual $33.05)

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. Apprentices and trainees have their own special rates under the Miscellaneous Award.

If a modern award covers the role, the award will specify junior rates, casual loadings, and penalty rates. Always check the award first.

How to check your own rate

If you are a school crossing supervisor (or considering the role), here is a practical check:

1. Identify the award. Ask your employer or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. The Local Government Industry Award is a common starting point.
2. Find your classification. Awards have pay grades based on duties and experience.
3. Compare with the national minimum. If the award rate is lower than $26.44 per hour (for an adult ongoing employee), the award must be read as if it is $26.44 – but this is rare.
4. Check for enterprise agreements. Some councils have their own agreements that set higher rates.
5. Add super. Remember the 12% employer super contribution.

What if you are in the state system?

Most private‑sector employees are in the national system, but some state public sector and local government employees – especially in Western Australia – are covered by state awards. State awards may have different minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you determine which system applies.

Summary

A lollipop man salary is not a single figure. The legal minimum for an adult award‑covered employee is at least $26.44 per hour, but the actual award rate is likely higher. For award‑free employees, the national minimum applies. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may be paid less. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. To get an accurate picture, check the specific award or agreement that covers your role.

For more detail, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and How the figures work page.

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