Pharmacy Pay Rates 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for pharmacy workers in Australia under the Pharmacy Award: $27.81/hr at Level 1, $34.76/hr casual, every classification level, penalty rates. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Pharmacy Minimum Pay Rate
Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012)
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
The minimum pay rate for pharmacy workers is $27.81/hr under the Pharmacy Award. Casuals receive $34.76/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2026.
Pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and dispensary technicians are covered by the Pharmacy Industry Award. Community pharmacies are the biggest employer under this award. With many pharmacies open on weekends and public holidays, penalty rates are a significant part of your pay.
Pharmacy Classification Rates
| Level | Classification | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Pharmacy Assistant Level 1 | $27.81 | $34.76 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Pharmacy Assistant Level 2 | $28.45 | $35.56 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Pharmacy Assistant Level 3 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 4 | Pharmacy Assistant Level 4 | $30.66 | $38.33 | $60,584.16 |
| Pharmacist | Pharmacist | $41.74 | $52.18 | $82,478.24 |
| Experienced | Experienced Pharmacist | $45.72 | $57.15 | $90,342.72 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020. Casual rates include 25% loading.
Casual Pharmacy Pay Rates
Casual workers get a 25% loading on top of the base rate. This compensates for no paid leave, no notice period, and no redundancy pay. Here's what that looks like for each level:
| Level | Base Rate | + 25% Loading | Casual Rate/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $27.81 | +$6.95 | $34.76 |
| Level 2 | $28.45 | +$7.11 | $35.56 |
| Level 3 | $29.45 | +$7.36 | $36.81 |
| Level 4 | $30.66 | +$7.67 | $38.33 |
| Pharmacist | $41.74 | +$10.44 | $52.18 |
| Experienced | $45.72 | +$11.43 | $57.15 |
Pharmacy Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $27.81/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday
$34.76/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$41.71/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$62.57/hr
2.25x base
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 1.25x | $34.76/hr |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $41.71/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.25x | $62.57/hr |
| Overtime (first 3 hours) | 1.5x | $41.71/hr |
| Overtime (after 3 hours) | 2x | $55.62/hr |
Full Pharmacy Award Details
View the complete Pharmacy Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
View Full Pharmacy Award Pay Rates →Getting Paid Less Than This?
If your payslip shows less than $27.81/hr (or $34.76/hr casual), you might be getting underpaid. It happens more than you'd think in pharmacy. Use our underpaid checker to calculate what you're actually owed.
Check If You're Underpaid →Pay Rates by Industry
Pharmacy enforcement cases
Real Fair Work decisions and Federal Court penalties in this industry.
Pharmacy Pay Rates FAQ
What is the minimum pay rate for pharmacy assistants in 2026?
The minimum base rate for a pharmacy assistant is $27.81/hr (Level 1) under the Pharmacy Industry Award. Casual pharmacy assistants receive $34.76/hr. A qualified pharmacist earns significantly more at $41.74/hr base.
Do pharmacy workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Saturday pays 1.25x and Sunday pays 1.5x under the Pharmacy Industry Award. Public holidays pay 2.5x. A Level 1 pharmacy assistant working a Sunday earns $41.72/hr.
What is a common underpayment issue in pharmacy?
Many pharmacy assistants are incorrectly classified at Level 1 when their duties warrant a higher level. If you dispense medications, manage stock systems, or supervise other staff, you may be entitled to Level 2 or 3 rates.
Are pharmacists covered by the Pharmacy Award?
Yes. Registered pharmacists are covered at higher classification levels under the Pharmacy Industry Award. Pharmacist-in-charge and pharmacist manager roles attract even higher rates. Many pharmacists also negotiate above-award pay.
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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.
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