What is the hourly rate for a security technician under the award?

Under the Security Services Industry Award 2020, a security technician is typically classified as a Security Officer. The minimum hourly rate for a Level 2 Security Officer is $29.24 per hour as of 1 July 2026. Higher levels (3, 4, 5) attract higher rates. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top, making the casual rate $36.55 per hour.

How do I calculate the annual salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week and then by 52 weeks. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, a Level 2 Security Officer at $29.24 per hour earns $29.24 × 38 × 52 = $57,794 per year. This assumes no overtime, penalties, or allowances. Use [the timesheet](/) to convert your own rate.

Does casual loading affect the annual calculation?

Yes. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate in lieu of paid leave and other entitlements. For a security technician earning the Level 2 rate, the casual hourly rate is $29.24 × 1.25 = $36.55. If you work 38 hours per week as a casual, your annual gross would be $36.55 × 38 × 52 = $72,242. However, casuals do not accrue annual or sick leave. See [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) for more.

Security Technician Salary: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Award Entitlements

A full-time security technician (Security Officer Level 2) earns $29.24 per hour under the award, equating to $57,794 annual gross for 38 hours per week.

Understanding the Security Technician Salary

A security technician salary depends on the classification under the Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016). This award covers employees performing security duties such as patrolling, monitoring, and responding to alarms. The Fair Work Commission sets minimum rates that apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year. For 2026, the rates are published in the consolidated award.

How the Award Defines Pay

The award classifies security officers into five levels. A security technician is typically a Level 2 or Level 3 officer, depending on the complexity of duties. Level 2 requires a security licence and involves operating basic security equipment. The minimum hourly rate for Level 2 is $29.24, and for Level 3 it is $29.73. These rates are higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) minimum wage.

Full-time employees work 38 ordinary hours per week, or an average of 38 hours over a roster cycle of up to 8 weeks. Part-time employees work fewer than 38 hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the base rate, as per clause 11.1 of the award.

From Hourly to Annual: The Calculation

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the standard formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time security technician at Level 2:

Hourly rate: $29.24
Weekly pay: $29.24 × 38 = $1,111.12
Fortnightly pay: $1,111.12 × 2 = $2,222.24
Annual gross: $1,111.12 × 52 = $57,794.24

This calculation assumes 38 hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. The award also provides penalty rates for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays, which would increase actual earnings. For a casual employee, the same hours at the casual rate ($36.55) yield $72,242 annually.

Use the timesheet to enter your base hourly rate and see the annual equivalent. The timesheet includes a checkbox to add 25% casual loading automatically. Do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

The Role of Casual Loading

Casual loading is paid instead of entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays. Under the award, casuals receive 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate for all ordinary hours. This loading is also applied to penalty rates. For example, a casual working a Saturday shift receives 175% of the base rate (150% penalty plus 25% loading). The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide provides a summary of these rates.

When calculating annual pay for a casual, remember that the loading is part of the hourly rate. The annual figure is still hourly × hours × 52, but the hourly rate is higher. However, casuals do not accrue leave, so the annual figure overstates the value of entitlements compared to a permanent employee.

Superannuation and Tax Considerations

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of an employee's ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For a full-time Level 2 security technician earning $57,794, the employer would contribute $6,935.28 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This super is paid in addition to the salary, not deducted from it. See super and packaging for more.

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy generally applies. For a $57,794 annual gross, the estimated tax plus Medicare is approximately $9,667, leaving a take-home pay of about $48,127. Use take-home pay for a detailed estimate.

Comparing with National Minimum Wage and Average Earnings

The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. A security technician at Level 2 earns $29.24, which is 10.6% above the minimum. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time employees was $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That equates to an annual salary of about $108,352, significantly higher than a Level 2 security technician's $57,794. However, many security roles include penalty rates and overtime that can boost earnings. The award's penalty rates for night work (121.7% of base) and Sundays (200%) mean a technician working regular unsocial hours could earn well above the minimum.

For accurate pay calculations tailored to your situation, refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman or use the reference tables on this site. The Modern Awards Pay Database from the Fair Work Commission also provides detailed rates.

Remember that the annual figures here are estimates. They assume consistent hours, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates or allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Always check your specific award classification and any enterprise agreements that may apply.