Project managers plan, execute, and oversee projects across various industries. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, and ensure deliverables are met on time.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Project Manager
Employment Type
Hourly Rate
Weekly (38hrs)
Annual
Full-time (adult)
$28.54/hr
$1,084.52
$56,395.04
Part-time (adult)
$28.54/hr
Pro-rata
Pro-rata
Casual (incl. 25% loading)
$35.68/hr
Varies
Varies
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Project Manager
Saturday
$35.68/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$57.08/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$71.35/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($28.54/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020
Project managers often work significant unpaid overtime. Common issues include being classified as award-free when the Clerks Award actually applies, and not receiving penalty rates for weekend work.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
How much does a project manager get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a project manager in South Australia is $28.54/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $35.68/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a project manager?
The minimum wage for a project manager is $28.54 per hour ($1,084.52 per week for a 38-hour week, or $56,395.04 per year). This is set by the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers project managers?
Project Managers are covered by the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002). 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 project managers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020, project managers receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($35.68/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($57.08/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.35/hr).
What is the casual rate for a project manager?
The casual rate for a project manager is $35.68/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $28.54/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old project manager get paid?
Project managers are professional roles not subject to junior rates. The Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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.
Free tools surface the issue. Our partners help you solve it.
Authorised Employment Hero Partner
Employment Hero
Australian HR, payroll, rostering and award interpretation in one platform. Used by 300,000+ businesses. Fixes the underlying payroll/compliance issues our calculators surface.
Best for: SMEs that have outgrown spreadsheet payroll or want automated award interpretation.
Register an ABN, form a Pty Ltd, or grab an ongoing legal plan. 400,000+ Australian businesses use Lawpath for fast, fixed-price legal admin without the $400/hr solicitor bill.
Best for: contractors, sole traders, scaling businesses, anyone forming a company.
Microsoft 365, Copilot rollouts, Essential Eight, Privacy Act 2026 and board-level cyber compliance for Australian SMBs. Where pay and HR end, your data and IT obligations begin.
Best for: SMBs running on Microsoft 365, anyone hitting cyber/privacy compliance, boards wanting an outside read on IT risk.