Pharmacy assistant and pharmacist pay rates from 1 July 2026 under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020: hourly, casual, weekend and public holiday rates, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A Level 1 pharmacy assistant gets $27.81 an hour, or $34.76 as a casual. A pharmacist gets at least $41.74 an hour (about $82,488 a year).
Pharmacy assistant pay rates
| Level | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant level 1 | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 | $54,954 | $1,809 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 2 | $28.45 | $35.56 | $1,081.00 | $56,212 | $1,841 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 3 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 4 | $30.66 | $38.33 | $1,165.10 | $60,585 | $1,953 |
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Level | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Saturday | Casual Sunday | Casual public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant level 1 | $34.76 | $41.72 | $62.57 | $41.72 | $48.67 | $69.53 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 2 | $35.56 | $42.68 | $64.01 | $42.68 | $49.79 | $71.13 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 3 | $36.81 | $44.18 | $66.26 | $44.18 | $51.54 | $73.63 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 4 | $38.33 | $45.99 | $68.99 | $45.99 | $53.66 | $76.65 |
Saturday rates are for 8am to 6pm and Sunday rates for 7am to 9pm; earlier and later hours are paid more. Casual rates include the 25% loading.
Pharmacist pay rates
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $41.74 | $52.18 | $82,488 | $2,522 | $62.61 | $93.92 |
| Experienced pharmacist | $45.72 | $57.15 | $90,345 | $2,727 | $68.58 | $102.87 |
| Pharmacist in charge | $46.80 | $58.50 | $92,477 | $2,783 | $70.20 | $105.30 |
| Pharmacist manager | $52.15 | $65.19 | $103,043 | $3,060 | $78.23 | $117.34 |
How it works
- The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 covers community pharmacies. Hospital pharmacies are usually under other awards or public sector agreements.
- Pharmacy assistants move up levels with experience and qualifications, from Level 1 to Level 4.
- A year here is the weekly rate × 52 for a 38-hour week, before penalty rates. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
How much does a pharmacy assistant get paid?
The award minimum for a Level 1 pharmacy assistant is $27.81 an hour ($34.76 casual) from 1 July 2026, up to $30.66 at Level 4. That's $1,056.80 a week full-time, about $54,954 a year.
What do pharmacy assistants get on weekends?
Level 1 full-time and part-time staff get $34.76 on Saturdays (8am to 6pm) and $41.72 on Sundays (7am to 9pm); casuals get $41.72 and $48.67. Public holidays are $62.57 ($69.53 casual).
How much does a pharmacist earn in Australia?
The award minimum for a pharmacist is $41.74 an hour, $1,586.30 a week or about $82,488 a year, rising to $52.15 for a pharmacist manager. Many pharmacists are paid above the award.
Do pharmacy assistants get paid more in the evening?
Yes. Monday to Friday 7pm to 9pm is paid at time and a quarter ($34.76 for Level 1), and 9pm to midnight at time and a half.
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 junior pay rates, public holiday pay rates and the penalty rates calculator.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000012 (published 24 June 2026), Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 [MA000012]. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.