Production Manager Salary in Australia: Minimum, Median, and Award Rates

What is the production manager salary floor?

When researching a production manager salary in Australia, the first question is usually about the legal minimum. The national minimum wage—set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman—is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. This is the absolute floor for award-free and agreement-free employees. However, most production managers are covered by a modern award, such as the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, which typically sets higher minimum rates. If an enterprise agreement applies, its rates must be at least as high as the relevant award. Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of these rates.

For a full breakdown of which pay floor applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies guide.

How does the median production manager salary compare?

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,298 for production managers (ANZSCO 1335). That is more than double the national minimum wage. But remember: this is a survey average, not a legal requirement. It reflects what typical production managers earn before tax and before super. The median hourly rate works out to about $54 based on a 38-hour week, but production managers often work longer hours—the average full-time week is 47 hours, according to Jobs and Skills Australia data. That means the effective hourly rate may be lower when overtime is unpaid or included in salary.

To see how other occupations compare, visit our Rate tables.

Award coverage for production managers

Production managers work across manufacturing, mining, construction, and forestry. The most common award is the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, but other awards may apply depending on the industry. Award rates are reviewed annually and from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages rise by 4.75%. However, the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you are award-free (rare for production managers), the national minimum wage applies. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award or their training contract.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

Many production managers are on individual contracts or enterprise agreements that pay above award rates. The median of $2,298 per week suggests that experienced managers can negotiate significantly higher than the minimum. When comparing offers, remember that super (12%) is an employer cost on top of the base salary. Also consider hours worked—a salary of $2,298 for 47 hours is less per hour than the same salary for 38 hours.

Always check whether your role is classified correctly under the award. Misclassification can lead to underpayment. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources to check your entitlements.

FAQs

(FAQs are listed above in the faqs array.)

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