What is the minimum wage for a sales manager in Australia?

There is no specific minimum wage classification for 'sales manager' in the Fair Work system. If a sales manager is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) applies from 1 July 2026. However, many sales managers are award-free and earn significantly more through negotiation. Always check if a relevant award (such as the Commercial Sales Award 2020 or Clerks Award) covers the duties – if it does, the award minimum rates are higher than the national minimum.

Does the Commercial Sales Award 2020 cover sales managers?

The Commercial Sales Award 2020 covers Commercial Travellers, Merchandisers, and Advertising Sales Representatives, but does not list a 'sales manager' classification. A sales manager who primarily supervises other sales staff and has managerial authority may be award-free (not covered by any award) or may fall under a different award such as the Clerks Award or a managerial exclusion. It is important to review the actual duties and the award coverage rules. If the role is award-free, the national minimum wage applies unless an enterprise agreement sets a higher rate.

How is superannuation calculated for a sales manager's salary?

Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a sales manager earning $100,000 per year, the employer must contribute an additional $12,000 into a super fund. This is not deducted from the salary; it is paid in addition. The super guarantee applies to most employees, including sales managers, regardless of whether they are covered by an award.

Sales manager salary in Australia: which pay floor applies and what people mix up

There is no single award rate for a sales manager; the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies if no award or agreement covers the role, but many sales managers earn well above that.

Sales manager salary in Australia: the pay floor and what people mix up

When people search for a sales manager salary in Australia, they often expect a single number. In reality, the figure depends on whether the role is covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or is award-free. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages and negotiated salaries, so you can understand which pay floor applies.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and award coverage

Every employee in Australia is entitled to a minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for an adult employee not covered by an award or registered agreement. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

However, most employees are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates. The Commercial Sales Award 2020, for example, covers Commercial Travellers, Merchandisers, and Advertising Sales Representatives. A sales manager is not a classification in that award. If your duties are primarily managerial – supervising a sales team, setting targets, and making strategic decisions – you may be award-free. In that case, the national minimum wage is the floor, but your actual salary is likely much higher.

Some sales managers may be covered by the Clerks Award or a specific enterprise agreement. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or consult your employer. If an award applies, the minimum rates in that award (including penalty rates and allowances) take precedence over the national minimum.

Award-free juniors and trainees

If a sales manager is a junior employee (under 21) and award-free, the national minimum wage percentages apply. For example, a 19-year-old award-free junior receives 82.5% of the adult rate, or $21.82 per hour. Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award. These lower rates are legal, but many employers pay above the minimum.

Survey averages vs. the legal floor

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is a broad average across all occupations, not a sales manager salary specifically. Many sales managers earn well above that, especially in industries like technology or finance. But the average is not a minimum – it is a benchmark for comparison.

A common mistake is to confuse the national minimum wage ($26.44/h) with a typical salary. A sales manager earning $80,000 per year is already above the minimum, but still below the all-occupations average. The legal floor is just that – a floor. Negotiated salaries, bonuses, and commissions are separate.

Superannuation: an employer payment on top

When discussing any salary, remember that superannuation is paid by the employer on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a sales manager earning $100,000, the employer must contribute an extra $12,000 into super. This is not part of the salary figure you see in job ads – it is additional.

How to find the right rate for your role

If you are covered by a modern award, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to find the minimum rates.
If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies, but you can negotiate higher.
If an enterprise agreement covers you, check that document for rates.
For a sales manager salary, the best approach is to compare your duties against award classifications and then look at industry surveys or job advertisements for typical ranges.

For more detail, see our Which minimum wage applies guide or the Rate tables for award-specific figures. Our How the figures work page explains the rounding and calculations.

Key takeaways

There is no single award rate for a sales manager. The national minimum wage is the backstop.
The Commercial Sales Award does not list 'sales manager'; many sales managers are award-free.
Super is 12% on top of salary from 1 July 2026.
The ABS average of $2,083.70 per week is a reference, not a minimum.
Always check the actual award coverage before assuming a rate.