Security Guard Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Security Guards earn at least $28.42/hr (Level 1), $35.53/hr casual — about $1,080 a week full-time — under the Security Services Industry Award 2020. Every classification level, penalty rates below.
Security Guard Pay Rate
Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016)
Security guards patrol and protect premises, manage access control, respond to alarms, and provide crowd control at events and venues.
$28.42
Base rate/hr
$35.53
Casual rate/hr
$28.42
$35.53
$1,079.96
$56,157.92
What Award Covers Security Guards?
Security Guards in Australia are generally covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). 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 security guards 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).
Security Guard Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Security officer (watchperson) | $28.42 | $35.53 | $1,079.96 | $56,157.92 |
| Level 2 | Security officer (crowd control) | $29.24 | $36.55 | $1,111.12 | $57,778.24 |
| Level 3 | Senior security officer | $29.73 | $37.16 | $1,129.74 | $58,746.48 |
| Level 4 | Security supervisor | $30.23 | $37.79 | $1,148.74 | $59,734.48 |
Casual Security Guard Pay Rate
Casual security guards receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $28.42/hr to $35.53/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 security guard working 38 hours per week would earn $70,207.28 (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 Security Guard Pay Rate
Part-time security guards receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($28.42/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.
Security Guard Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when security guards work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($28.42/hr base).
$42.63/hr
$56.84/hr
$71.05/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Security Guard?
Security guards working overnight shifts should receive night shift allowances in addition to base rates. If you are paid a flat rate regardless of when you work, you may be underpaid.
If you earn less than $28.42/hr as a full-time or part-time security guard, or less than $35.53/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard | $28.42/hr | $35.53/hr | $56,157.92 | MA000016 |
| Retail Worker | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $54,952.56 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $52,245.44 | MA000009 |
| Waiter | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $52,245.44 | MA000009 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
More on the Security Award
Security Award (MA000016) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in security
- Chubb Fire & Security Pty Ltd ACT Portable Technician Enterprise Agreement 2025-2029
- Advanced Contracting Security Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2026-2030
- Wilson Security Victoria State Government Safeguard Agreement 2025
- ADT Security Response Centre Enterprise Agreement (2026-2028)
- G4S LONG BAY FORENSIC HOSPITAL ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2027
- MSS Security Pty Limited Perth Airport Enterprise Agreement 2025-2028
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a security guard get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a security guard in Australia is $28.42/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $35.53/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Security Services Industry 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 security guard?
Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), the minimum wage for a security guard starts at $28.42/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,079.96/week or $56,157.92/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers security guards?
Security Guards in Australia are generally covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some security guards may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a security guard?
A casual security guard receives $35.53/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $28.42/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a security guard?
Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, security guards receive: Saturday 1.5x ($42.63/hr), Sunday 2x ($56.84/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($71.05/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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