Pharmacist Salary Perth: Award Minimum Rates and What They Mean for You
The minimum award rate for a pharmacist in Perth (and nationally) is $41.74 per hour, or $1,586.30 per week, as of July 2026.
Pharmacist Salary Perth: Understanding the Award Minimum
If you are searching for a pharmacist salary perth, the first thing to know is the legal minimum set by the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020. This award covers community pharmacy employees across Australia, including Perth. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, while the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces award rates. The award rate is the floor – actual salaries can be higher through enterprise agreements or individual negotiation.
Award Minimum Rates for Pharmacists
From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time pharmacist is $1,586.30, which equates to $41.74 per hour. This is significantly above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. The award also specifies rates for experienced pharmacists ($45.72/h), pharmacists in charge ($46.80/h), and pharmacist managers ($52.15/h). These rates are the legal minimum; an employer cannot pay less unless a valid junior, trainee, or supported wage provision applies.
How the Award Rate Compares to Other Pay Floors
The national minimum wage is a backstop for award-free employees. However, most pharmacists are covered by the Pharmacy Award, so the award rate is the relevant minimum. The award rate for a pharmacist is about 58% higher than the national minimum. For casual pharmacists, the award includes a 25% casual loading, bringing the minimum casual rate to $52.18 per hour (before penalties).
Penalty Rates and Allowances
Pharmacists in Perth may receive penalty rates for working outside standard hours. For example:
- Monday to Friday 7am–8am: 150% of base rate ($62.61/h)
- Monday to Friday 7pm–9pm: 125% ($52.18/h)
- Saturday 7am–8am: 200% ($83.48/h)
- Sunday: 200% ($83.48/h)
- Public holidays: 250% ($104.35/h)
These penalties apply on top of the base hourly rate. Overtime (more than 38 hours per week or 76 hours per fortnight) also attracts higher rates.
Superannuation Is Paid on Top
When discussing a pharmacist salary perth, remember that superannuation is an additional employer contribution. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a pharmacist on the award minimum, the employer must pay about $190.36 per week into a super fund. This is not deducted from the wage – it is paid in addition.
Actual Salaries vs Award Minimum
The award rate is the minimum. Many pharmacists in Perth earn above the award, especially those with experience or in managerial roles. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can set higher rates. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific median salary for pharmacists in Perth, but industry surveys suggest experienced pharmacists often earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually, excluding super. However, this site does not provide a precise median because no authoritative public figure is available for Perth specifically.
Key Takeaways
- The legal minimum for a pharmacist in Perth under the award is $41.74/h or $1,586.30/week.
- Penalty rates apply for non-standard hours.
- Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.
- Actual salaries can be higher via agreements or negotiation.
For more details, see our Rate tables and How the figures work.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum hourly rate for a pharmacist in Perth?
Under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a pharmacist is $41.74 (or $1,586.30 per week for full-time employees) from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. This rate applies nationally, including in Perth. Higher rates may apply under an enterprise agreement or individual contract.
Do pharmacists get penalty rates?
Yes. The award provides penalty rates for morning work (7am to 8am Monday to Friday), evening work (7pm to 9pm Monday to Friday), late evening work (9pm to midnight), Saturday work, Sunday work, and public holidays. For example, a pharmacist working Saturday morning (7am to 8am) receives $83.48 per hour. Penalties are paid in addition to the base rate.
How does superannuation apply to a pharmacist's salary?
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of at least 12% of ordinary time earnings on top of the pharmacist's base salary. For a pharmacist earning the award minimum of $1,586.30 per week, the employer would contribute an additional $190.36 per week in super. This is a legal requirement and is separate from the wage.
Related guides
- Pharmacist Salary: Award Minimum Rates and Legal Pay Floors
The minimum hourly rate for a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Industry Award is $41.74 as of 1 July 2026, well above the national minimum wage.
- Pharmacist Salary Australia: Award Minimums and What They Mean for Your Pay
The minimum hourly rate for a Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Award is $41.74 per hour, with superannuation on top.
- Sonographer salary Perth: which pay floor applies and how the pay floor works
The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor for award-free sonographers in Perth, but most are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates; specific Perth median earnings are not published by the ABS for this occupation.
- Pharmacist Salary Melbourne: Award Rates and Minimum Pay Explained
The minimum pay for a pharmacist in Melbourne under the Pharmacy Industry Award is $41.74 per hour or $1,586.30 per week, plus 12% superannuation, as of 1 July 2026.