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

The minimum wage depends on whether you are covered by a modern award. Most hotel service managers are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, which sets minimum rates above the national minimum wage. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor. Always check your award or enterprise agreement for the correct rate.

How does the median service manager salary compare to the national minimum?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, the median full-time hourly earnings for hotel service managers is $37 per hour. That is about 40% above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. However, median figures are a guide only and individual pay can be higher or lower based on experience, location, and employer.

Do service managers get superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This is paid in addition to the salary or wage, so your total remuneration package includes both pay and super.

Service Manager Salary: Minimum Wage, Award Rates and Median Earnings in Australia 2026-27

The legal minimum for a service manager covered by an award is at least $26.44 per hour (national minimum wage), but the median hourly earnings for hotel service managers are $37 per hour according to ABS data.

What is a service manager salary in Australia?

If you are researching a service manager salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is that the term covers several roles. The most common occupation in official data is Hotel Service Manager (ANZSCO 4314). These workers supervise and coordinate hotel service staff. But the same title can appear in retail, hospitality, or other service industries. This guide helps you separate the legal minimum from survey averages and award rates.

The legal minimum wage for service managers

All employees in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (based on 38 ordinary hours). For casual employees, the minimum is $33.05 per hour (including the 25% casual loading).

However, most service managers are covered by a modern award. The Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 is the most likely award for hotel service managers. Award minimum rates are often higher than the national minimum. You can check the exact classification in the award using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. If an enterprise agreement applies, that agreement may set a higher rate.

Important: junior employees, apprentices, trainees, and workers on supported wages may receive less than the adult national minimum. Award-free juniors have percentage-based rates (e.g., under 16: $9.73 per hour). Always verify your specific situation.

Survey average: median earnings for hotel service managers

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides median earnings data for occupations. According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for hotel service managers is $1,410 per week before tax. That works out to about $37 per hour (based on 38 ordinary hours). This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. It reflects what typical full-time non-managerial employees in that occupation earn. Actual pay can vary by experience, location, and employer.

How the median compares to the floor

The median of $37 per hour is about 40% above the national minimum wage of $26.44. This gap shows that many service managers earn well above the legal floor. But if you are offered a rate near the minimum, check whether an award or agreement requires a higher amount.

Award rates and the backstop

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 ($26.44 per hour). Introductory rates (limited to the first 6 months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. If your award rate seems lower than these backstops, the national minimum applies instead.

For hotel service managers under the Hospitality Award, the minimum classification rate is typically higher than the national minimum. You can find the exact rate in the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing a service manager salary, remember that the superannuation guarantee is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. For example, if your salary is $1,410 per week, your employer must also contribute $169.20 per week to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.

How to check your own rate

To find out which pay floor applies to you:

Identify your award or agreement. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online tools or ask your employer.
Compare your hourly rate to the national minimum ($26.44) and your award’s minimum classification rate.
If you are award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum is your floor.
For casuals, the minimum includes the 25% loading ($33.05 per hour).

For more detail, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and the Rate tables for award-free junior and apprentice rates.

Summary

The term service manager salary can mean different things. Legally, the minimum is at least $26.44 per hour (or higher under an award). In practice, the median for hotel service managers is $37 per hour according to the ABS. Always check your specific award or agreement, and remember that super is paid on top. If you are negotiating a salary, use these figures as a benchmark, but never rely on a survey average to determine your legal entitlement.

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