Clerks award pay rates from 1 July 2026 for receptionists, administration and office staff in private businesses: every level, casual, Saturday, Sunday and public holiday rates, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
An adult clerk, receptionist or admin worker starts at $26.97 an hour ($33.71 casual) under the Clerks award, rising to $33.99 at Level 5.
Clerks award pay rates by level
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1, year 1 | $26.97 | $33.71 | $1,024.70 | $53,284 | $1,766 |
| Level 1, year 2 | $28.24 | $35.30 | $1,073.10 | $55,801 | $1,830 |
| Level 1, year 3 | $29.11 | $36.39 | $1,106.20 | $57,522 | $1,874 |
| Level 2, year 1 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Level 2, year 2 | $30.00 | $37.50 | $1,139.90 | $59,275 | $1,919 |
| Level 3 | $31.11 | $38.89 | $1,182.10 | $61,469 | $1,975 |
| Level 4 | $32.67 | $40.84 | $1,241.40 | $64,553 | $2,054 |
| Level 5 | $33.99 | $42.49 | $1,291.80 | $67,174 | $2,121 |
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Classification | Saturday 7am-12.30pm | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Saturday | Casual Sunday | Casual public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1, year 1 | $33.71 | $53.94 | $67.43 | $40.46 | $60.68 | $74.17 |
| Level 1, year 2 | $35.30 | $56.48 | $70.60 | $42.36 | $63.54 | $77.66 |
| Level 1, year 3 | $36.39 | $58.22 | $72.78 | $43.67 | $65.50 | $80.05 |
| Level 2, year 1 | $36.81 | $58.90 | $73.63 | $44.18 | $66.26 | $80.99 |
| Level 2, year 2 | $37.50 | $60.00 | $75.00 | $45.00 | $67.50 | $82.50 |
| Level 3 | $38.89 | $62.22 | $77.78 | $46.67 | $70.00 | $85.55 |
| Level 4 | $40.84 | $65.34 | $81.68 | $49.01 | $73.51 | $89.84 |
| Level 5 | $42.49 | $67.98 | $84.98 | $50.99 | $76.48 | $93.47 |
Adult rates, not shiftworkers. Casual rates include the 25% loading. A year is the weekly rate × 52 for a 38-hour week.
How it works
- The Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 covers clerical and administrative employees in private businesses that aren't covered by an industry award with its own clerical classifications.
- Level 1 employees move up from year 1 to year 3 with experience; higher levels depend on duties and skills.
- Public servants are paid under public sector agreements instead; see public service pay.
- Super is paid on top.
Common questions
What is the Clerks award pay rate?
From 1 July 2026, an adult clerk starts at $26.97 an hour (Level 1, year 1, $1,024.70 a week), rising to $33.99 at Level 5. Casuals get $33.71 to $42.49.
How much does a receptionist get paid?
Receptionists and administration staff in private businesses are usually covered by the Clerks award. The level depends on your duties and experience: Level 1 starts at $26.97 an hour and Level 2 at $29.45.
What is the Saturday rate under the Clerks award?
Saturday work between 7am and 12.30pm is paid at 125% ($33.71 at Level 1, year 1) or 150% for casuals ($40.46). Sundays are double time ($53.94).
What is the public holiday rate?
$67.43 an hour at Level 1, year 1 (250%), or $74.17 for casuals.
When do the rates go up?
From the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year, after the Annual Wage Review. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also retail pay rates, the casual loading calculator and public holiday pay rates.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000002 (published 24 June 2026), Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 [MA000002]. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.