Security Guard Pay Rate in WA 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for security guards in Western Australia under the Security Services Industry Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Security Guard — Minimum Pay Rate (WA)
Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000038)
$25.15
Base rate/hr
$31.44
Casual rate/hr
Security guards patrol and protect premises, manage access control, respond to alarms, and provide crowd control at events and venues.
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 — Security Guard
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.15/hr | $955.70 | $49,696.40 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.15/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $31.44/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Security Services Industry Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Security Guard
Saturday
$37.72/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$50.30/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$62.88/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.15/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Security Services Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Security officer (watchperson) | $25.15 | $31.44 | $49,696.40 |
| Level 2 | Security officer (crowd control) | $25.99 | $32.49 | $51,356.24 |
| Level 3 | Senior security officer | $26.75 | $33.44 | $52,858.00 |
| Level 4 | Security supervisor | $28.41 | $35.51 | $56,138.16 |
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a security guard get paid per hour in Western Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a security guard in Western Australia is $25.15/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $31.44/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000038), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a security guard?
The minimum wage for a security guard is $25.15 per hour ($955.70 per week for a 38-hour week, or $49,696.40 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 (MA000038). 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 ($37.72/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($50.30/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($62.88/hr).
What is the casual rate for a security guard?
The casual rate for a security guard is $31.44/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.15/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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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.
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