Pharmacy Assistant Pay Rate QLD 2026-27
Pharmacy Assistants in Queensland earn at least $27.81/hr (Level 1), $34.76/hr casual — about $1,057 a week full-time — under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Pharmacy Assistant — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012)
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
Pharmacy assistants help customers, process prescriptions, manage stock, and provide health product advice in community and hospital pharmacies.
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Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Pharmacy Assistant
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.81/hr | $1,056.78 | $54,952.56 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.81/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $34.76/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020.
Junior Rates by Age — Pharmacy Assistant
Junior rates: Under 17: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90% of the adult rate.
The FWC pay database does not publish this award's junior schedule as separate rows, so no junior figure is quoted here. Check the junior rates clause of the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020, or ask the advisor above.
Penalty Rates — Pharmacy Assistant
Saturday
$34.76/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$55.62/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$69.52/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($27.81/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Pharmacy Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Pharmacy assistant (entry) | $27.81 | $34.76 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Cert II qualified assistant | $28.45 | $35.56 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Cert III qualified assistant | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 4 | Dispensary assistant (Cert IV) | $30.66 | $38.33 | $60,584.16 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Pharmacy Assistant?
Pharmacy assistants often work evenings and weekends where penalty rates apply. Ensure you are receiving the correct penalty rate loading for all hours outside ordinary hours.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pharmacy assistant get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a pharmacy assistant in Queensland is $27.81/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $34.76/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a pharmacy assistant?
The minimum wage for a pharmacy assistant is $27.81 per hour ($1,056.78 per week for a 38-hour week, or $54,952.56 per year). This is set by the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers pharmacy assistants?
Pharmacy Assistants are covered by the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do pharmacy assistants get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020, pharmacy assistants receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($34.76/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($55.62/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($69.52/hr).
What is the casual rate for a pharmacy assistant?
The casual rate for a pharmacy assistant is $34.76/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.81/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old pharmacy assistant get paid?
Junior rates: Under 17: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90% of the adult rate. The FWC pay database does not publish this award's junior schedule as separate rows, so check the junior rates clause of the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 for the exact figure.
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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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