Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000039)
$25.28
Base rate/hr
$31.60
Casual rate/hr
Delivery drivers transport goods from warehouses to businesses and consumers. They load and unload freight, plan routes, and maintain delivery records.
Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Delivery Driver
Employment Type
Hourly Rate
Weekly (38hrs)
Annual
Full-time (adult)
$25.28/hr
$960.64
$49,953.28
Part-time (adult)
$25.28/hr
Pro-rata
Pro-rata
Casual (incl. 25% loading)
$31.60/hr
Varies
Varies
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Delivery Driver
Saturday
$37.92/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$50.56/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$63.20/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.28/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020
Delivery drivers are frequently misclassified as independent contractors, especially in gig economy roles. Employees are entitled to award minimums, overtime, and penalty rates.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
How much does a delivery driver get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a delivery driver in Australian Capital Territory is $25.28/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $31.60/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000039), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a delivery driver?
The minimum wage for a delivery driver is $25.28 per hour ($960.64 per week for a 38-hour week, or $49,953.28 per year). This is set by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers delivery drivers?
Delivery Drivers are covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000039). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do delivery drivers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, delivery drivers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($37.92/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($50.56/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($63.20/hr).
What is the casual rate for a delivery driver?
The casual rate for a delivery driver is $31.60/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.28/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old delivery driver get paid?
Delivery drivers must hold a valid licence. Junior rates do not typically apply. The Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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.
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