Commercial Sales Award pay rates from 1 July 2026: minimum pay for sales reps (commercial travellers), merchandisers and advertising sales representatives, casual, weekend and public holiday rates, the commission rule, car allowance and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A sales rep (commercial traveller) gets at least $29.55 an hour ($1,122.80 a week), commission or not. Merchandisers get $27.47. Open in the pay calculator.
Commercial Sales Award pay rates
| Classification | Who it is | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probationary traveller | A commercial traveller or advertising sales representative with less than 3 months' service with the employer | $26.59 | $33.24 | $1,010.52 | $52,547 | $1,747 |
| Merchandiser | Works away from the employer's premises promoting its products, re-ordering stock and setting up displays and gondola ends; may take orders as a minor part of the job | $27.47 | $34.34 | $1,044.00 | $54,288 | $1,792 |
| Commercial traveller | Works substantially away from the employer's premises taking orders or selling goods wholesale or for resale (a sales rep) | $29.55 | $36.94 | $1,122.80 | $58,386 | $1,896 |
| Advertising sales representative | Works substantially away from the employer's premises selling advertising | $29.55 | $36.94 | $1,122.80 | $58,386 | $1,896 |
Adult rates. Full-time weekly rate for 38 hours; take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27. Descriptions are summarised from the award's definitions; junior rates are in the pay guide.
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Classification | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Saturday | Casual Sunday | Casual public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probationary traveller | $39.89 | $53.18 | $66.48 | $46.53 | $59.83 | $73.12 |
| Merchandiser | $41.21 | $54.94 | $68.68 | $48.07 | $61.81 | $75.54 |
| Commercial traveller | $44.33 | $59.10 | $73.88 | $51.71 | $66.49 | $81.26 |
| Advertising sales representative | $44.33 | $59.10 | $73.88 | $51.71 | $66.49 | $81.26 |
How it works
- The Commercial Sales Award covers sales staff who work mainly away from the employer's premises: travelling sales reps, merchandisers and advertising sales representatives.
- Commission is allowed on top, but total pay can't fall below the minimum rate. Your employer must tell you in writing how commission is worked out.
- Using your own car for work: $1.00 per km. Casuals get a 25% loading instead of paid leave. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
What is the Commercial Sales Award pay rate?
From 1 July 2026, a commercial traveller (sales rep) gets at least $29.55 an hour ($1,122.80 a week). Merchandisers get $27.47 and probationary travellers $26.59 for their first 3 months.
Can a sales rep be paid commission only?
Not below the minimum. The award says no commercial traveller or probationary traveller can be paid by commission, salary or retainer at less than their minimum rate.
What is the car allowance for sales reps?
$1.00 per kilometre when the employer requires you to use your own car.
How much does a merchandiser get paid?
$27.47 an hour ($34.34 casual), or about $1,792 a fortnight after tax full-time.
What are the weekend rates?
Saturday is 150% ($44.33 for a commercial traveller), Sunday 200% ($59.10) and public holidays 250% ($73.88).
When do the rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also the Retail Award for shop sales staff, super on commissions and overtime and the cents per km calculator.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text, Commercial Sales Award [MA000083], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.