Accountant Pay Rate Australia 2026
Minimum pay rates for accountants under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and classification levels.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Accountant Pay Rate
Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002)
Accountants prepare financial statements, manage tax compliance, and provide financial advice to individuals and businesses. Many accountants are award-free or covered by enterprise agreements.
$27.14
Base rate/hr
$33.93
Casual rate/hr
Hourly (Full-Time)
$27.14
Hourly (Casual)
$33.93
Weekly (38hrs)
$1,031.32
Annual (Full-Time)
$53,628.64
What Award Covers Accountants?
Accountants in Australia are generally covered by the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some accountants may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
Accountant Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Bookkeeper / junior accountant | $27.14 | $33.93 | $1,031.32 | $53,628.64 |
| Level 5 | Accountant | $28.54 | $35.68 | $1,084.52 | $56,395.04 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Casual Accountant Pay Rate
Casual accountants receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $27.14/hr to $33.93/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual accountant working 38 hours per week would earn $67,045.68 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-Time Accountant Pay Rate
Part-time accountants receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($27.14/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Accountant Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when accountants work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($27.14/hr base).
Saturday
$40.71/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$54.28/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$67.85/hr
2.5x base
Casual employees may receive different penalty rate multipliers. Check the full award pay rates for detailed penalty rate tables.
Am I Being Underpaid as a Accountant?
Many accountants earn above-award rates. However, junior accountants and bookkeepers in smaller firms should check they are receiving at least the Clerks Award minimum for their classification level.
If you earn less than $27.14/hr as a full-time or part-time accountant, or less than $33.93/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
Compare with Similar Roles
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant | $27.14/hr | $33.93/hr | $53,628.64 | MA000002 |
| Receptionist | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000002 |
| Admin Officer | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $48,866.48 | MA000002 |
| Retail Worker | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000004 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a accountant get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a accountant in Australia is $27.14/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $33.93/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
What is the minimum wage for a accountant?
Under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002), the minimum wage for a accountant starts at $27.14/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,031.32/week or $53,628.64/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $24.10/hr.
What award covers accountants?
Accountants in Australia are generally covered by the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some accountants may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a accountant?
A casual accountant receives $33.93/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $27.14/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a accountant?
Under the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2020, accountants receive: Saturday 1.5x ($40.71/hr), Sunday 2x ($54.28/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($67.85/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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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.
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