Pharmacy Assistant Pay Rate WA 2026-27
Pharmacy Assistants in Western Australia 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.
Pharmacy Assistant — Minimum Pay Rate (WA)
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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Western Australia Note
Western Australia has a state industrial relations system that covers some private sector employees not in the national system.
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 |
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.
Penalty Rates — Pharmacy Assistant
$34.76/hr
$41.71/hr
$62.57/hr
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 →More on the Pharmacy Award
Pharmacy Award (MA000012) 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 pharmacy
- National Pharmacies Retail Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Lipa Pharmaceuticals Limited – Employee Collective Agreement 2025 - 2028
- HPS (Pharmacy Managers, Pharmacists in Charge and Pharmacists) and Professional Pharmacists Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024
- Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Pty Ltd NSW Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Pty Ltd NSW Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Linfox and UWU (Pharmaceutical and Healthcare) National Distribution Centres Agreement 2025
Employer pay guides under the Pharmacy Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pharmacy assistant get paid per hour in Western Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a pharmacy assistant in Western Australia 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 1.5x on Sundays ($41.71/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.25x ($62.57/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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