What is the minimum award rate for a project administrator?

Project administrators are typically covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award or the Professional Employees Award. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. The exact classification rate depends on the level and experience. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for your specific award.

Does a project administrator get casual loading?

Yes, casual employees under most awards receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if the base rate is $30 per hour, the casual rate would be $37.50 per hour. Our calculator has a checkbox to add this loading automatically.

How is superannuation calculated for a project administrator?

Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. For a full-time project administrator earning $2,130 per week, super would be an additional $255.60 per week, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year.

Project Administrator Salary: Hourly Rates, Award Pay, and Annual Earnings in Australia

A project administrator salary based on the median full-time rate of $59 per hour for 38 hours a week equals $116,584 per year before tax.

Understanding Project Administrator Salary in Australia

If you are looking at a project administrator salary, you need to know how hourly rates translate to annual pay, what the award says, and how tax and super affect your take-home amount. This guide uses the latest data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to give you a clear picture.

How Project Administrator Pay Works

Project administrators (ANZSCO 5111) plan and administer contracts, programs, and projects. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median full-time weekly earnings for this occupation is $2,130 per week, with median hourly earnings of $59. That is well above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour. However, actual pay depends on your award classification, experience, and whether you are casual or permanent.

Most project administrators are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award or the Professional Employees Award. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. You can find your exact rate in the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. But a project administrator salary is almost always higher than the minimum. The award rate for a Level 3 clerk, for example, might be around $30 per hour, while experienced project administrators earn closer to the median of $59 per hour.

Award rates include penalty rates for overtime, weekends, and public holidays. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database provides detailed spreadsheets of classifications, allowances, and penalty rates. Always check the award that applies to your job.

Converting Hourly to Annual: The Formula

To estimate your annual project administrator salary, use this formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a standard full-time week of 38 hours. For example, at $59 per hour:

$59 × 38 × 52 = $116,584 per year

If you work 40 hours, adjust accordingly. But most awards define full-time as 38 hours. Our calculator on the timesheet uses this assumption. You enter your base hourly rate, and if you are casual, check the box to add 25% loading. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the median weekly earnings of $2,130, your fortnightly gross would be $4,260. This helps when budgeting or comparing job offers.

Tax and Super

From the 2026–27 tax year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
Over $190,000: 45%

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (single thresholds from 2025–26 apply). For a $116,584 salary, tax would be approximately $28,000 plus Medicare, leaving about $86,000 after tax. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed estimate.

Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. For $116,584, super would be $13,990 per year, up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit.

Using Our Calculator

Our hourly conversion tool lets you switch between hourly, weekly, fortnightly, and annual amounts. It also estimates tax and super. Remember, the calculator assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no salary sacrifice. It is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

Summary

A project administrator salary varies by award, experience, and location. The median hourly rate of $59 gives a strong annual figure, but always check your specific award. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides and the Fair Work Commission database for precise rates. For casual roles, add 25% loading. And remember, super is on top.

For more information, see our minimum wage page or casual loading guide.