Pharmacy technician salary: Award rates and minimum pay in Australia

Pharmacy technician salary: What the award says

When searching for a pharmacy technician salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012) does not contain a classification called "pharmacy technician." Instead, the award covers pharmacy assistants (levels 1–4), pharmacy students, pharmacy interns, and pharmacists. Most workers who perform technician duties—such as dispensing, stock management, or compounding—are classified as pharmacy assistants under the award. The minimum rates for pharmacy assistants, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, are set by the Fair Work Commission and published by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Minimum rates under the Pharmacy Industry Award

For a full-time adult pharmacy assistant Level 1, the minimum weekly rate is $1,056.80, which equates to $27.81 per hour. Higher levels pay more: Level 2 is $28.45/h, Level 3 is $29.45/h, and Level 4 is $30.66/h. These rates are the legal minimum for employees covered by the award. An employer must also pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual hourly rate for Level 1 $34.76.

If a pharmacy technician holds a qualification or performs duties that match a higher classification, they may be entitled to a higher rate. For example, a registered pharmacist earns at least $41.74/h, and a pharmacy intern earns between $33.99 and $35.14/h. The award also includes junior rates for pharmacy assistants under 21, ranging from 45% of the adult rate for under-16s to 90% for 20-year-olds.

How the award relates to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week). Because the award rates for pharmacy assistants start above that figure, the award provides the effective pay floor for most pharmacy technicians. However, if an employee is not covered by any award or agreement, the national minimum wage applies. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

Survey data and median earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects earnings data for occupations, but the most recent survey for pharmacy technicians (ANZSCO 311215) does not publish a median weekly earnings figure due to sample size limitations. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, includes a customised report, but no precise median is available for public reference. Therefore, we cannot report a survey-based average or median for pharmacy technician salary. The most reliable benchmarks are the award minimum rates.

What about enterprise agreements?

Some pharmacies operate under an enterprise agreement that may set higher rates than the award. An agreement cannot provide less than the award minimum. If you work under an agreement, check its terms for your classification. The award also allows for annualised wage arrangements that include penalty rates and loadings, as long as the employee is not worse off overall.

Tax and super on the weekly packet

To understand what you take home, consider tax and super. Super is an employer contribution on top of your salary—it is not deducted from your pay. For a pharmacy assistant Level 1 working 38 hours at $27.81/h, the weekly gross is $1,056.80. After tax (using 2026–27 rates with the full tax-free threshold and estimated Medicare levy of 2% for earnings above $30,000), the net weekly pay would be roughly $890–$920, depending on your circumstances. The employer also pays $126.82 in super (12% of ordinary time earnings).

How to check your correct rate

If you are unsure which classification applies, consult the award definitions in Schedule A of the Pharmacy Industry Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help you calculate pay based on your role. For more guidance, see our Rate tables and Guides.

Key takeaways

• The Pharmacy Industry Award covers most pharmacy technician roles under pharmacy assistant classifications.
• Minimum hourly rate for Level 1 is $27.81 (adult, full-time) plus 12% super.
• Higher classifications (Levels 2–4, intern, pharmacist) have higher minimums.
• The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) is a backstop for award-free workers.
• No published median salary is available from the ABS for pharmacy technicians.
• Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can offer more than the award, but never less.

Understanding your correct classification is essential to ensure you receive the legal minimum. If your duties go beyond basic retail tasks, you may be entitled to a higher level. Always check the award or seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.