When do Pharmacy Award rates rise next?

For pharmacist classifications (including interns), the final gender-undervaluation instalment applies from the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2027 — about +4.3%, the third of three phases totalling 14.1% decided by the Fair Work Commission on 16 April 2025 ([2025] FWCFB 74). The first two instalments landed on 30 June 2025 and 30 June 2026. Pharmacy assistants and students were not part of that increase — their next rise is the Annual Wage Review from 1 July 2027. Current rates have applied since 1 July 2026 (including the 4.75% Annual Wage Review increase).

Who gets the Pharmacy Award gender-undervaluation pay rise?

Only pharmacist classifications under clause 16.1 of the Pharmacy Industry Award (MA000012), including pharmacy interns: Pharmacist ($41.74/hour from 1 July 2026), Experienced pharmacist ($45.72), Pharmacist in charge ($46.80), Pharmacist manager ($52.15), and interns ($33.99 first half, $35.14 second half of training). The FWC found these classifications had been the subject of gender-based undervaluation and awarded 14.1% in total across three instalments. Pharmacy assistants and pharmacy students were examined but received no increase from the review.

What is a pharmacy assistant paid in 2026?

From 1 July 2026 the adult award minimums are: Pharmacy assistant level 1 $27.81/hour ($1,056.80/week full-time), level 2 $28.45, level 3 $29.45 and level 4 $30.66. Casuals add a 25% loading (level 1 casual: $34.76/hour). Pharmacy students are paid at the matching assistant level (1st year = level 1 through 4th year = level 4). These rates did not change under the FWC's gender-undervaluation review — the next scheduled increase is the 1 July 2027 Annual Wage Review.

Is the pharmacist increase on top of the annual wage review?

Yes. The three gender-undervaluation instalments (30 June 2025, 30 June 2026 and 30 June 2027) apply on top of Annual Wage Review increases — the current 1 July 2026 rates already include both the second instalment and the 4.75% Annual Wage Review rise, and the Annual Wage Review will lift rates again from 1 July 2027, the day after the final instalment.

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Pharmacy Award pay rises explained: your classification's current rate, what changes at each phase-in date, and what your new rate will be.

Last verified: 28 August 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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