Senior project manager salary: what the pay floor is and how to compare

Senior project manager salary: understanding the pay floor

If you are researching a senior project manager salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single published figure that applies to every industry. The legal minimum you must be paid depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries, using the most recent public data from the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and Jobs and Skills Australia.

The national minimum wage as a floor

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours. This is the absolute minimum for award-free employees in the national system. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates are before tax and do not include superannuation, which the employer must pay on top at 12% of ordinary time earnings.

However, a senior project manager would almost never be paid at this level. Most are covered by a modern award or have negotiated a salary well above the minimum. The national minimum is the backstop – your actual pay must be at least this, but it can be higher under an award or agreement.

Award rates for senior project managers

Senior project managers often work in construction, engineering, IT, or professional services. The relevant modern award depends on the industry and the specific duties. For example:

• Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 – covers construction project managers and site supervisors.
• Professional Employees Award 2020 – covers engineers, IT professionals, and scientists who may manage projects.
• Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 – may cover project managers in administrative roles.

The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database, which contains the minimum rates for each classification in every award. These rates are updated after the annual wage review. For the 2026-27 financial year, modern award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. The lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Because senior project manager roles are often classified at higher levels within an award, the minimum rate will be higher than the award’s base rate. You can check your award’s classification structure and pay rates on the Fair Work Commission website or use the Rate tables on this site.

What the data says about senior project manager salaries

The ABS publishes average weekly earnings for all employees, but not specifically for senior project managers. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and total earnings for all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. These figures include all occupations and are a general benchmark, not a target for a senior project manager.

Jobs and Skills Australia provides occupation profiles. For Construction Project Managers (ANZSCO 133111), the median weekly earnings are listed as N/A – meaning the data is not available or not reliable enough to publish. The profile shows that 90% work full-time, average full-time hours are 47 per week, and the median age is 42. But without a median salary figure, we cannot give a specific “senior project manager salary” from that source.

If you are negotiating a salary, remember that survey averages from commercial sources may include bonuses, overtime, and different levels of experience. The legal minimum is always the starting point, but your actual pay should reflect your skills, responsibilities, and market conditions.

How to find your correct minimum

1. Check if you are covered by a modern award. Your employer can tell you, or you can search the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. The Ombudsman explains and enforces award entitlements, but the Fair Work Commission sets the rates.
2. If no award applies, you are award-free and the national minimum wage is your floor. However, your employer may still choose to pay more.
3. If an enterprise agreement covers you, that agreement sets the minimum rates. It cannot provide less than the relevant award or the national minimum.
4. Remember superannuation. The 12% super guarantee is an employer cost on top of your salary. It is not part of your take-home pay.

For more detail on which minimum applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. For a full list of current rates, see How the figures work.

Important notes

• Junior employees (under 21) and apprentices may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. Award-free juniors have set percentages based on age.
• Supported wage employees with a disability may have a reduced rate.
• State public sector and local government employees in some states may be covered by state awards, not the national system.
• This site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional for your specific situation.