What is the minimum hourly rate for a journalist under the award?

Under the Journalists Published Media Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate ranges from $32.13 (Band 1 Level 1) to $61.12 (Band 3 Level 13) for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and are updated annually.

How is casual loading applied to a journalist salary?

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. For example, a Band 1 Level 1 casual journalist would be paid $32.13 + 25% = $40.16 per hour. The casual loading is not included when calculating overtime or penalty rates.

Does superannuation get paid on top of the journalist salary?

Yes. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year) on top of the journalist's base salary. This is not deducted from the employee's pay.

Journalist Salary Guide: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

A full-time journalist at Band 1 Level 1 earns at least $32.13 per hour, or $1,221.10 per week for 38 hours, well above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44.

Journalist Salary: Award Rates vs the National Minimum Wage

If you're working out a journalist salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that most journalists are covered by the Journalists Published Media Award 2020 (MA000067). This award sets minimum pay rates that are significantly higher than the National Minimum Wage. Understanding the difference helps you negotiate or check your pay.

How to Convert an Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time journalist under the award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. So a Band 1 Level 1 journalist earning $32.13 per hour would have:

Weekly: $32.13 × 38 = $1,221.10
Fortnightly: $1,221.10 × 2 = $2,442.20
Annual: $32.13 × 38 × 52 = $63,497.68

This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances. The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman include all minimum rates and allowances.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 for casuals including 25% loading). That applies to employees not covered by an award or agreement. But a journalist covered by the award must be paid at least the award rate for their classification.

Even the lowest award classification – Band 1 Level 1 – pays $32.13 per hour, which is 22% above the National Minimum Wage. Higher classifications go up to $61.12 per hour (Band 3 Level 13).

Casual Loading for Journalists

Casual employees under the award get a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. For example:

Band 1 Level 1 casual: $32.13 + 25% = $40.16 per hour
Band 2 Level 8 casual: $41.69 + 25% = $52.11 per hour

The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. When calculating overtime or penalty rates, the casual loading is excluded – you use the base ordinary hourly rate.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary earnings into a super fund. This is on top of your salary, not deducted from it. For a journalist earning $63,497.68 per year, that's an extra $7,619.72 in super (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830).

Tax on a Journalist Salary (2026–27)

Income tax is calculated on your gross annual salary. The 2026–27 resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 + 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 + 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,370 + 45% of excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low incomes). For a journalist earning $63,497.68, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $11,000–$12,000, leaving take-home pay of about $51,500–$52,500.

Use the take-home pay page for a more detailed estimate.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many employers pay fortnightly. For a Band 1 Level 1 journalist:

Fortnightly gross: $2,442.20
Fortnightly tax (approx): $420–$460
Fortnightly net: ~$1,980–$2,020

Knowing your fortnightly amount helps with budgeting and comparing job offers.

Why Award Rates Matter

The award also includes allowances (e.g., for working away from home, using a vehicle) and penalty rates for overtime, weekends, and public holidays. These are on top of the minimum hourly rate. The minimum wage page explains the difference between award and national minimum.

If you're a casual journalist, remember that the casual loading is separate from penalty rates. For overtime, casuals get 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% after that (based on the ordinary hourly rate without loading).

Summary

A journalist salary under the award starts well above the National Minimum Wage. Use the hourly rate × 38 × 52 formula to estimate annual gross, add 12% super on top, and deduct tax using the 2026–27 scale. The hourly conversion tool can help you switch between hourly, weekly, and annual figures.

Always check the latest Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for your specific classification and any allowances you're entitled to.