AWR 2026-27 Impact Estimator — Employer
Model the cost of the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review 2026-27 decision on your business. Multi-group input. 5 percentage scenarios (2.5%-4.5%) with full wage + super + workers comp impact. Pairs with the employee-side calculator.
Last verified: 16 May 2026AWR 2026-27 IMPACT — EMPLOYER EDITION
Model the annual wage cost impact of the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review 2026-27 decision (expected early June 2026). Add each group of award-covered employees. Above-award salaried staff are tracked separately — they're only affected if you choose to pass on the rise.
Employee groups
Group annual cost: $395,200
Group annual cost: $234,000
Your current annual wage base
Total headcount
11
8 award-covered
Award-covered annual wages
$395,200
Total all groups: $629,200
AWR 2026-27 scenarios — annual cost impact
| Scenario | Wage rise | Super (12%) | Workers comp | Total impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.5% — Conservative Employer-side submission range (ACCI) | $9,880 | $1,186 | $128 | $11,194 |
3% — Below-CPI If FWC prioritises inflation moderation | $11,856 | $1,423 | $154 | $13,433 |
3.5% — Likely (mid) Matches 2025-26 decision baseline | $13,832 | $1,660 | $180 | $15,672 |
4% — Higher Union-side asks (ACTU) typical range | $15,808 | $1,897 | $206 | $17,911 |
4.5% — ACTU ACTU 2026 submission ceiling | $17,784 | $2,134 | $231 | $20,149 |
Highlighted row matches the 2025-26 decision baseline (3.5%).
Decision-day planning
- FWC decision lands first week of June 2026. Operative date 1 July 2026 (1 October for hospitality/tourism/aviation if deferred).
- The Wage Price Index lift is automatic for award-covered staff — no choice. Above-award salaried staff are at your discretion.
- Payroll software (Xero, MYOB, KeyPay, etc.) updates the new award rates automatically within 7-14 days of the decision. Check.
- For high-volume award-covered workforces (50+), consider an automated reconciliation tool. Single-employee audit is built into Pay Rate Lookup; bulk audit needs For Business.
- Workers compensation premium reset typically lags wages by a quarter. The increase compounds with the next premium notice.
Related Articles
The Fair Work Commission Expert Panel hands down the 2026 minimum wage decision in early June. Here's the likely date and time, the FWC livestream link, what gets announced, and when your award rate actually changes.
Minimum Wage Australia 2026 — $24.95/hr From 1 July (Full Pay Rates)$24.95/hr ($948/wk) from 1 July 2025. Casuals get $31.19/hr. Check award rates, junior rates, and what to do if your pay hasn't changed.
Annual Wage Review 2026-27 Decision Explained — What It Means for Your PayThe Fair Work Commission's 2026-27 Annual Wage Review decision: what the new National Minimum Wage is, how much your award rate goes up, when the change takes effect, and what to do if your employer doesn't pass it on.
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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.