Real Estate Pay Rates 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for real estate workers in Australia under the Real Estate Award. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Real Estate Minimum Pay Rate
Real Estate Industry Award 2020 (MA000106)
$26.59
Base rate/hr
$33.24
Casual rate/hr
The minimum pay rate for real estate workers is $26.59/hr under the Real Estate Award. Casuals receive $33.24/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2026.
Real estate agents, property managers, and admin staff in agencies are covered by the Real Estate Industry Award. Commission-based pay is common, but the award still sets minimum base rates that your employer must meet regardless of your sales performance.
Real Estate Classification Rates
| Level | Classification | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Real Estate Employee Level 1 | $26.59 | $33.24 | $52,541.84 |
| Level 2 | Real Estate Employee Level 2 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 3 | Real Estate Employee Level 3 | $32.39 | $40.49 | $64,002.64 |
| Level 4 | Real Estate Employee Level 4 | $33.88 | $42.35 | $66,946.88 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Real Estate Industry Award 2020. Casual rates include 25% loading.
Casual Real Estate 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 | $26.59 | +$6.65 | $33.24 |
| Level 2 | $29.45 | +$7.36 | $36.81 |
| Level 3 | $32.39 | +$8.10 | $40.49 |
| Level 4 | $33.88 | +$8.47 | $42.35 |
Real Estate Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $26.59/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday (ordinary hours — no penalty)
$26.59/hr
1x base
Sunday
$26.59/hr
1x base
Public Holiday
$53.18/hr
2x base
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday (ordinary hours — no penalty) | 1x | $26.59/hr |
| Sunday (ordinary hours — no penalty) | 1x | $26.59/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2x | $53.18/hr |
| Overtime / rostered day off worked (first 2 hours) | 1.5x | $39.89/hr |
| Overtime / rostered day off worked (after 2 hours) | 2x | $53.18/hr |
Full Real Estate Award Details
View the complete Real Estate Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
View Full Real Estate Award Pay Rates →Getting Paid Less Than This?
If your payslip shows less than $26.59/hr (or $33.24/hr casual), you might be getting underpaid. It happens more than you'd think in real estate. Use our underpaid checker to calculate what you're actually owed.
Check If You're Underpaid →Leaving your job?
Leaving Your Real Estate Job? Here's What Commission You're Owed
When commission is "earned," when clawback clauses are enforceable, what to do if your former employer won't pay, and the one written confirmation to get on your last day that resolves most disputes before they start.
Read the full guide →Pay Rates by Industry
Real Estate Pay Rates FAQ
What is the minimum pay rate for real estate workers in 2026?
The minimum base rate for real estate employees is $26.59/hr (Level 1) under the Real Estate Industry Award. Casual workers receive $33.24/hr. Property managers and licensed agents at higher levels earn more.
Can real estate agents be paid commission only?
No. Under the award, all employees must receive at least the minimum base rate for their classification level. Commission can be paid on top of the base rate, but it cannot replace it entirely. Commission-only arrangements may indicate sham contracting.
Do real estate workers get penalty rates for weekend open homes?
No — unlike most awards, the Real Estate Industry Award sets no Saturday or Sunday penalty rates. Weekends are ordinary working days, so open homes and inspections are paid at your normal rate. If you work on a rostered day off you get overtime (1.5x for the first 2 hours, then 2x), and public holidays pay 2x your base rate.
What is a common underpayment issue in real estate?
Property managers are often classified too low or expected to work unpaid overtime to manage their portfolio. If you're regularly working beyond your rostered hours, you're entitled to overtime rates under the award.
If I resign with sales pending settlement, am I still owed the commission?
Usually yes. Once contracts have exchanged, the commission is treated as earned even if settlement is weeks away. Commission clawback clauses are only enforceable if they're clear, in writing, and reasonable — they can't strip you of commission already crystallised. See our full guide on real estate commission on termination.
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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.