Software Developer Pay Rate in SA 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for software developers in South Australia under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Software Developer — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002)
$25.68
Base rate/hr
$32.10
Casual rate/hr
Software developers design, build, and maintain applications, websites, and systems. Many are covered by the Clerks Award when employed in non-IT-specific businesses.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Software Developer
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | $975.84 | $50,743.68 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $32.10/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Software Developer
Saturday
$32.10/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$51.36/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$64.20/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.68/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Graduate developer / junior programmer | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 4 | Mid-level developer with 2+ years experience | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| Level 5 | Senior developer / team lead | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Software Developer?
Software developers are often misclassified as independent contractors or paid a flat salary that doesn't account for overtime. Unpaid overtime is a major issue in the tech industry.
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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receptionist | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $48.20/hr |
| Admin Officer | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $49.46/hr |
| Accountant | $27.14/hr | $33.93/hr | $54.28/hr |
| Project Manager | $28.54/hr | $35.68/hr | $57.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a software developer get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a software developer in South Australia is $25.68/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $32.10/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 software developer?
The minimum wage for a software developer is $25.68 per hour ($975.84 per week for a 38-hour week, or $50,743.68 per year). This is set by the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers software developers?
Software Developers 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 software developers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020, software developers receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($32.10/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($51.36/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($64.20/hr).
What is the casual rate for a software developer?
The casual rate for a software developer is $32.10/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.68/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old software developer get paid?
Software developers are typically employed as adults with qualifications or experience. Junior rates do not commonly apply. The Clerks—Private Sector 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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