What is the award rate for a ward clerk?

Under the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020, a ward clerk is typically classified at Level 1. The minimum hourly rate from 1 July 2026 is $26.97 for Year 1, $28.24 for Year 2, and $29.11 for Year 3. These rates are set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and apply to full-time and part-time employees.

How is casual loading applied to a ward clerk?

Casual ward clerks receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For Level 1 Year 1, that is $33.71 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements such as paid leave and is paid instead of those benefits.

What is the annual salary for a full-time ward clerk?

For a full-time ward clerk working 38 hours per week at Level 1 Year 1, the annual salary is approximately $53,284 (26.97 × 38 × 52). Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

Ward Clerk Salary: Award Rates, Hourly Pay, and Annual Earnings Under the Clerks Award

A ward clerk at Level 1 Year 1 under the Clerks Award earns a minimum of $26.97 per hour, or $1,024.70 per week for a 38-hour week, equating to approximately $53,284 per year before tax and super.

Understanding Your Ward Clerk Salary

If you are a ward clerk or considering the role, knowing your minimum pay is essential. The ward clerk salary is governed by the Clerks—Private Sector Award 2020, which sets minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, and allowances. This article explains how to convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures, and what tax and superannuation you can expect.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time ward clerk, the award assumes 38 ordinary hours per week. So if you are on Level 1 Year 1 at $26.97 per hour, your annual salary is:

$26.97 × 38 × 52 = $53,284 (rounded)

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. It is a baseline figure. You can use the timesheet to enter your base hourly rate and see the annual estimate instantly.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Your fortnightly gross pay is simply your weekly pay multiplied by two. For the Level 1 Year 1 ward clerk:

Weekly: $1,024.70 Fortnightly: $2,049.40

This matches the award’s provision that employers may determine the pay period as weekly or fortnightly.

Award Rates vs 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. However, the Clerks Award sets higher minimums. For a ward clerk at Level 1 Year 1, the award rate is $26.97 per hour – 53 cents above the national minimum. Higher classifications (Level 2, 3, etc.) attract even more. Always check the award, not just the national minimum, when discussing a ward clerk salary.

Casual Loading

Casual ward clerks receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This is paid instead of entitlements like annual leave and sick leave. For Level 1 Year 1, the casual rate is $33.71 per hour. When using the timesheet, you can check a box to add the 25% casual loading – do not enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Superannuation

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per quarter. For a ward clerk earning $53,284, the employer must contribute an additional $6,394 per year into your super fund. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an extra benefit.

Tax on Your Ward Clerk Salary

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil tax on the first $18,200
15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a $53,284 salary, the estimated tax is approximately $7,717 plus Medicare of $1,066, leaving a take-home of about $44,501. Use take-home pay for a detailed estimate.

Comparison with Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That is about $108,352 per year. A ward clerk at Level 1 is below this average, reflecting the entry-level nature of the classification. However, with experience and progression to Level 3 or higher, a ward clerk can earn $31.11 per hour ($1,182.10 per week), which is closer to the national average.

Where to Find Official Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the full award and a pay guide summary. The Clerks Award includes all classifications, penalty rates, and allowances. The pay guide provides a quick reference for hourly, weekly, and overtime rates. The Fair Work Commission also maintains a Modern Awards Pay Database with downloadable spreadsheets.

Using This Site

Our pay guides explain how awards apply to different jobs. The reference tables show current minimum wage and award rates. For a quick calculation, start at the timesheet. Remember: this is an estimate. Your actual pay may include penalties, allowances, or salary sacrifice that change the figures.

Summary

A ward clerk salary under the Clerks Award starts at $26.97 per hour for Level 1 Year 1. For a 38-hour week, that is $1,024.70 weekly, $2,049.40 fortnightly, and about $53,284 annually. Casual workers get 25% extra. Super is 12% on top. Tax and Medicare reduce take-home pay. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman for your exact classification.