Security Award Pay Rates Calculator
Full pay rates, penalty rates, and break rules for the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016).
Last verified: 2 August 2026Quick Answer
The Security Award (MA000016) Level 1 base rate is $28.42/hr for permanent employees and $35.53/hr for casuals (incl. 25% loading). Common roles: Security guard, Security officer, Crowd controller, Bouncer.
Classification Pay Rates — Security Award
| Level | Classification | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Weekly (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Security Officer Level 1 | $28.42 | $35.53 | $1,079.96 |
| Level 2 | Security Officer Level 2 | $29.24 | $36.55 | $1,111.12 |
| Level 3 | Security Officer Level 3 | $29.73 | $37.16 | $1,129.74 |
| Level 4 | Security Officer Level 4 | $30.23 | $37.79 | $1,148.74 |
| Level 5 | Security Officer Level 5 | $31.20 | $39.00 | $1,185.60 |
Rates effective July 2025 Annual Wage Review. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Penalty Rates — Security Award
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate | Level 1 Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150% | $42.63 | $53.30 |
| Sunday | 200% | $56.84 | $71.06 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $71.05 | $88.83 |
| Night (midnight–6am or 6pm–midnight, Mon–Fri) | 122% | $34.59 | $43.24 |
| Permanent night work (more than two-thirds of shifts include midnight–6am) | 130% | $36.95 | $46.19 |
| Overtime Mon–Sat (first 2 hours) | 150% | $42.63 | $53.30 |
| Overtime Mon–Sat (after 2 hours) | 200% | $56.84 | $71.06 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base hourly rate. Casual penalty amounts use the casual loaded rate as the base.
Break Entitlements — Security Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–8 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 8–10 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 Security Award.
Frequently Asked Questions — Security Award
What is the minimum pay rate under the Security Award?
The minimum base rate under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016) is $28.42 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $35.53 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.
What are the penalty rates under the Security Award?
Penalty rates under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 vary by the type of work. Saturday: 150% ($42.63/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 200% ($56.84/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 250% ($71.05/hr at Level 1). Night (midnight–6am or 6pm–midnight, Mon–Fri): 122% ($34.59/hr at Level 1). Permanent night work (more than two-thirds of shifts include midnight–6am): 130% ($36.95/hr at Level 1). Overtime Mon–Sat (first 2 hours): 150% ($42.63/hr at Level 1). Overtime Mon–Sat (after 2 hours): 200% ($56.84/hr at Level 1). These are calculated on the base rate, not the casual loaded rate.
How many classification levels are there in the Security Award?
The Security Services Industry Award 2020 has 5 classification levels, ranging from Level 1 at $28.42/hr to Level 5 at $31.20/hr.
What breaks am I entitled to under the Security Award?
Break entitlements under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 depend on shift length. Up to 5 hours: no meal break. 5–8 hours: 30-minute meal break. 8–10 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 Security Award?
Common job titles covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 include Security guard, Security officer, Crowd controller, Bouncer, Patrol officer, Control room operator. The award applies to the Security 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 check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.