The minimum pay rate for real estate workers is $25.39/hr under the Real Estate Award. Casuals receive $31.74/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2025.
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
$25.39
$31.74
$50,170.64
Level 2
Real Estate Employee Level 2
$28.12
$35.15
$55,565.12
Level 3
Real Estate Employee Level 3
$30.93
$38.66
$61,117.68
Level 4
Real Estate Employee Level 4
$32.34
$40.43
$63,903.84
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 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
$25.39
+$6.35
$31.74
Level 2
$28.12
+$7.03
$35.15
Level 3
$30.93
+$7.73
$38.66
Level 4
$32.34
+$8.09
$40.43
Real Estate Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $25.39/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday
$38.09/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$50.78/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$63.48/hr
2.5x base
Penalty Type
Multiplier
Level 1 Rate
Saturday
1.5x
$38.09/hr
Sunday
2x
$50.78/hr
Public Holiday
2.5x
$63.48/hr
Overtime (first 2 hours)
1.5x
$38.09/hr
Overtime (after 2 hours)
2x
$50.78/hr
Full Real Estate Award Details
View the complete Real Estate Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
If your payslip shows less than $25.39/hr (or $31.74/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.
What is the minimum pay rate for real estate workers in 2026?
The minimum base rate for real estate employees is $24.95/hr (Level 1) under the Real Estate Industry Award. Casual workers receive $31.19/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?
Yes. Saturday pays 1.25x and Sunday pays 1.5x your base rate. Public holidays pay 2.5x. Many agents work weekends for open homes and inspections, so these penalties add up.
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.
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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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