Minimum pay rates for warehouse workers in Queensland under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084)
$24.73
Base rate/hr
$30.91
Casual rate/hr
Warehouse workers pick, pack, load, and unload goods in warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics facilities.
Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | $939.74 | $48,866.48 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.91/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020.
Junior rates apply to employees under 21, starting at 70% of the adult rate at age 16.
| Age | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.89/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.37/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.84/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $17.31/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.78/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $22.26/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.73/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 for precise rates.
Saturday
$37.10/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$49.46/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$61.83/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.73/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | General warehouse hand | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Warehouse worker (experienced) | $24.73 | $30.91 | $48,866.48 |
| Level 3 | Forklift operator / leading hand | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 4 | Warehouse supervisor | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
View full Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 pay rates →
Warehouse workers who operate forklifts or other machinery should be classified at Level 3 or above. If you hold a forklift licence and are being paid at Level 1 or 2, 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 →| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift Driver | $25.68/hr | $32.10/hr | $51.36/hr |
| Logistics Coordinator | $26.74/hr | $33.43/hr | $53.48/hr |
The minimum hourly rate for a warehouse worker in Queensland is $24.73/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.91/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a warehouse worker is $24.73 per hour ($939.74 per week for a 38-hour week, or $48,866.48 per year). This is set by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Warehouse Workers are covered by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). 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.
Yes. Under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020, warehouse workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($37.10/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($49.46/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($61.83/hr).
The casual rate for a warehouse worker is $30.91/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.73/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Junior rates apply to employees under 21, starting at 70% of the adult rate at age 16. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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