Clerks Award Pay Rates Calculator
Full pay rates, penalty rates, and break rules for the Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002).
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
The Clerks Award (MA000002) Level 1 base rate is $25.74/hr for permanent employees and $32.18/hr for casuals (incl. 25% loading). Common roles: Receptionist, Office administrator, Data entry, Accounts clerk.
Classification Pay Rates — Clerks Award
| Level | Classification | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Weekly (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Clerical Level 1 | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.12 |
| Level 2 | Clerical Level 2 | $27.26 | $34.08 | $1,035.88 |
| Level 3 | Clerical Level 3 | $28.24 | $35.30 | $1,073.12 |
| Level 4 | Clerical Level 4 | $29.66 | $37.08 | $1,127.08 |
| Level 5 | Clerical Level 5 | $28.47 | $35.59 | $1,081.86 |
Rates effective July 2025 Annual Wage Review. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Penalty Rates — Clerks Award
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate | Level 1 Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150% | $38.61 | $48.27 |
| Sunday | 200% | $51.48 | $64.36 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $64.35 | $80.45 |
| Overtime (first 3 hours) | 150% | $38.61 | $48.27 |
| Overtime (after 3 hours) | 200% | $51.48 | $64.36 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base hourly rate. Casual penalty amounts use the casual loaded rate as the base.
Break Entitlements — Clerks Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–7.6 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 7.6–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
Calculate Your Penalty Rate
Use the calculator below to find your exact penalty rate for any classification level under the Clerks Award.
Frequently Asked Questions — Clerks Award
What is the minimum pay rate under the Clerks Award?
The minimum base rate under the Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002) is $25.74 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $32.18 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.
What are the penalty rates under the Clerks Award?
Penalty rates under the Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 vary by the type of work. Saturday: 150% ($38.61/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 200% ($51.48/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 250% ($64.35/hr at Level 1). Overtime (first 3 hours): 150% ($38.61/hr at Level 1). Overtime (after 3 hours): 200% ($51.48/hr at Level 1). These are calculated on the base rate, not the casual loaded rate.
How many classification levels are there in the Clerks Award?
The Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 has 5 classification levels, ranging from Level 1 at $25.74/hr to Level 5 at $28.47/hr.
What breaks am I entitled to under the Clerks Award?
Break entitlements under the Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 depend on shift length. Up to 5 hours: no meal break. 5–7.6 hours: 30-minute meal break. 7.6–10 hours: 30-minute meal break + 10-minute rest break (paid). 10+ hours: 60-minute meal break + 20-minute rest break (paid).
What jobs are covered by the Clerks Award?
Common job titles covered by the Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 include Receptionist, Office administrator, Data entry, Accounts clerk, Secretary, Admin assistant. The award applies to the Office / Clerical industry. If you're unsure whether this award covers your role, use our Award Finder tool.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.