Product manager salary: award coverage versus award-free rates in Australia

What is the legal minimum for a product manager salary?

When researching a product manager salary in Australia, the first question is whether you are covered by a modern award or are award‑free. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that most employees are covered by an award that sets minimum pay rates, penalties, and allowances. For product managers, the relevant award is often the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers information technology professionals, or the Clerks Private Sector Award 2020 if the role is more clerical. If no award applies, the National Minimum Wage from the Fair Work Commission sets the floor.

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. These rates are for adult employees who are award‑free and agreement‑free. However, junior employees (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and those on introductory award rates may be paid less. For example, an award‑free 18‑year‑old junior receives $18.06 per hour (68.3% of the adult rate).

If you are covered by a modern award, the award rate will almost always be higher than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for each classification. For a product manager classified as an IT Professional under the Professional Employees Award, the minimum weekly salary might be around $1,200–$1,500 depending on the level, but you must check the specific award pay guide. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

How does the product manager salary compare to the national minimum?

Actual product manager salary figures are not set by law; they are negotiated between employer and employee. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that in May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, while all employees (including part‑time) averaged $1,579.20 per week. These averages include all occupations, not just product managers, but they give a sense of the market. A typical product manager salary is likely well above the national minimum, often in the range of $100,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience and industry.

To see how a specific product manager salary compares with the legal floor, use our Rate tables to check current award rates or the national minimum. Remember that the legal minimum is just that – a floor. Most product managers earn significantly more.

Super and other considerations

When discussing a product manager salary, remember that the Superannuation Guarantee is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super rate is 12%. So if your base salary is $100,000, your employer must also contribute $12,000 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

If you are award‑free, the national minimum wage applies, but you can negotiate a higher salary. If you are covered by an award, the award rate is the minimum, and you can also negotiate above it. For more guidance on which pay floor applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies.

Award coverage versus award‑free: key differences

• Award‑free employees: The national minimum wage is the floor. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have special rates. Casual loading of 25% applies.
• Award‑covered employees: The award sets minimum rates, penalties, and allowances. These rates are usually higher than the national minimum. You cannot be paid less than the award rate, even if the national minimum is lower.
• Enterprise agreements: These can replace award terms but must pass the Better Off Overall Test. They often provide higher pay.

For a detailed explanation of how these figures are calculated, visit our How the figures work page.

FAQs

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