Private investigator salary: award coverage and the national minimum wage

Private investigator salary: what the law says

If you are researching a private investigator salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is which pay floor applies to you. The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This guide explains the differences and gives you the current national minimum wage figures.

The national minimum wage as a floor

For adult private investigators who are not covered by any award or registered agreement, the minimum pay is the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour ordinary week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. Your employer must also pay superannuation of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings.

These rates apply to national‑system employees. Most private‑sector workers are in the national system, but some state public sector and local government employees may be covered by state awards instead. If you are award‑free and under 21, junior percentage rates apply (see our rate tables for the full schedule). Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages.

Award coverage for private investigators

Private investigators are classified under ANZSCO 442214, which sits within the Security Officers and Guards group (4422). The most common award covering this occupation is the Security Services Industry Award 2020. If your employer is in the national system and the award applies, you must be paid at least the award rate for your classification level. Award rates are often higher than the national minimum wage, especially after the 4.75% increase that took effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

The award also includes penalty rates, allowances, and overtime provisions that can increase your take‑home pay. To find out which classification applies to your role, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or check the award directly. If your employer has an enterprise agreement, the agreement rates apply as long as they are not less than the award.

What the data shows about private investigator pay

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for the 6‑digit occupation of private investigators. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median weekly earnings are ‘N/A’ for this role. This means there is no publicly available survey average to compare against. The only reliable benchmark is the legal minimum.

According to the 2021 Census, half of private investigators work full‑time, and the average full‑time hours are 41 per week. The median age is 52, and 34% of workers are female. The main industries are Public Administration and Safety, Financial and Insurance Services, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

Award‑free vs award‑covered: which applies to you?

If you are unsure whether an award covers you, start by checking the Security Services Industry Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s website explains how to find your award. If no award applies and you have no enterprise agreement, you are award‑free and the national minimum wage is your floor.

Remember: the national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. Many private investigators earn more through award rates, enterprise agreements, or individual negotiation. But if you are paid less than the legal minimum, you may be entitled to back pay. For more guidance, see our Which minimum wage applies page.

Key points to take away

• The legal minimum for award‑free adult private investigators is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 casual) from 1 July 2026.
• Most private investigators are likely covered by the Security Services Industry Award, which sets higher minimum rates.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.
• The ABS does not provide a median salary for this occupation, so rely on award rates or the national minimum as your benchmark.
• Junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates can be lower than the adult minimum.

If you need to calculate your exact pay, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s tools or consult your award. For a full list of current minimum rates, visit our rate tables.