What is the prison officer salary under the award?

Under the Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award 2020, a full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 earns $28.32 per hour, or $1,076.20 per week for 38 ordinary hours. Rates vary by classification: Trainee Custodial Officer $26.35/hour, Correctional Supervisor Level 2 $36.51/hour, and Detention Services Officer Level 1 $28.07/hour. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

How is casual loading applied to prison officer pay?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate for their classification. For example, a casual Correctional Officer Level 1 would earn $28.32 × 1.25 = $35.40 per hour. The loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave. Penalty rates and overtime are calculated on the base rate exclusive of the casual loading.

How is superannuation calculated for prison officers?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at the super guarantee rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026). For a full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 earning $1,076.20 per week, the employer contributes an additional $129.14 per week to super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from the employee's pay; it is an extra cost for the employer.

Prison Officer Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading and Super in 2026-27

A full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 earns $28.32 per hour, or $1,076.20 per week for 38 hours, under the Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award from July 2026.

Prison Officer Salary Under the Award

If you are looking for a prison officer salary, the starting point is the Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award 2020. This award covers private-sector correctional and detention employees, including custodial officers, court security officers, and detention services officers. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide with minimum rates that apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Award Rates for Correctional Employees

A full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 is paid $28.32 per hour or $1,076.20 per week for 38 ordinary hours. Other classifications include:

Trainee Custodial Officer: $26.35/hour, $1,001.20/week
Correctional Officer Level 2: $30.87/hour, $1,173.10/week
Correctional Supervisor Level 1: $35.11/hour, $1,334.20/week
Court Security Officer: $28.07/hour, $1,066.60/week
Custody Officer: $29.45/hour, $1,119.10/week

For detention services, an Induction Trainee earns $27.29/hour, and a Detention Services Officer Level 1 earns $28.07/hour. These rates are the minimum; some employers may pay above award.

How to Estimate Annual and Fortnightly Pay

To convert an hourly rate to annual gross pay, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

Assuming 38 hours per week (the standard full-time week under the award), a Correctional Officer Level 1 earns:

$28.32 × 38 × 52 = $55,960.32 per year

Fortnightly pay is weekly pay multiplied by two: $1,076.20 × 2 = $2,152.40 per fortnight before tax and other deductions.

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. Use the timesheet to enter your base hourly rate and see estimates for annual, fortnightly, and monthly pay.

Casual Loading and Super Paid on Top

Two important additions apply to many prison officer roles: casual loading and superannuation.

Casual Loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a casual Correctional Officer Level 1, the rate becomes $28.32 × 1.25 = $35.40 per hour. The loading is paid instead of entitlements like annual leave and sick leave. Penalty rates and overtime are calculated on the base rate, not the loaded rate. See our casual loading page for more details.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation at the super guarantee rate of 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is paid on top of your wages, not deducted from them. For a full-time Correctional Officer Level 1 earning $55,960.32 per year, the employer contributes an extra $6,715.24 to super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Learn more about super and packaging.

Distinguishing Award Rates from the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Award rates for prison officers are higher than the minimum, reflecting the skills and responsibilities of the role. For example, a Trainee Custodial Officer ($26.35) is slightly below the national minimum, but note that award rates include allowances and penalty rates that can lift total pay. Always check the specific award classification for your role.

Tax on Your Prison Officer Salary

For the 2026-27 financial year, resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,420 plus 45% of excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. Use our take-home pay tool to estimate your net income after tax and Medicare.

Using the Pay Guides and Reference Tables

For a full list of award rates, allowances, and penalty rates, refer to the pay guides on this site. The Fair Work Commission also maintains a Modern Awards Pay Database with calculated rates. Always verify your classification with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Summary

A prison officer salary under the Corrections and Detention Award starts at around $26–$36 per hour depending on classification. Casual loading adds 25%, and super is paid on top at 12%. Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 to estimate annual pay, and check reference tables for exact award rates. Remember that penalty rates, overtime, and allowances can significantly increase total earnings.