Security Guard Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Security Guards in Australia 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. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Security Guard — Minimum Pay Rate
Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016)
$28.42
Base rate/hr
$35.53
Casual rate/hr
Security guards patrol and protect premises, manage access control, respond to alarms, and provide crowd control at events and venues.
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Minimum Hourly Rates — Security Guard
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $28.42/hr | $1,079.96 | $56,157.92 |
| Part-time (adult) | $28.42/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $35.53/hr | Varies | Varies |
Penalty Rates — Security Guard
$42.63/hr
$56.84/hr
$71.05/hr
Classification Levels — Security Services Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Security officer (watchperson) | $28.42 | $35.53 | $56,157.92 |
| Level 2 | Security officer (crowd control) | $29.24 | $36.55 | $57,778.24 |
| Level 3 | Senior security officer | $29.73 | $37.16 | $58,746.48 |
| Level 4 | Security supervisor | $30.23 | $37.79 | $59,734.48 |
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 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 →Security Guard Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
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 in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a security guard in Australia is $28.42/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $35.53/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a security guard?
The minimum wage for a security guard is $28.42 per hour ($1,079.96 per week for a 38-hour week, or $56,157.92 per year). This is set by the Security Services Industry Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers security guards?
Security Guards are covered by the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). 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 security guards get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, security guards receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($42.63/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($56.84/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.05/hr).
What is the casual rate for a security guard?
The casual rate for a security guard is $35.53/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $28.42/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old security guard get paid?
Security guards must hold a licence and are typically adults. Junior rates do not apply. The Security Services Industry Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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