What is the minimum wage for a WHS officer?

If a WHS officer is not covered by an industry or occupational award, they are award-free and entitled to the National Minimum Wage. From 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1004.90 per week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. If covered by an award, the minimum rate is set by that award's classification – check the relevant award using the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides.

How is casual loading applied to a WHS officer salary?

Casual loading is an additional 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of paid leave and other entitlements. For a WHS officer earning the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. When using our timesheet, you can check the 'casual loading' box to automatically add 25% to the base rate you enter. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading – the tool calculates it for you.

What superannuation is paid on a WHS officer salary?

Superannuation Guarantee contributions are paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, if your base hourly rate is $30.00 for 38 hours per week, your annual ordinary earnings are $59,280, and your employer must contribute $7,113.60 in super (12% of $59,280). Super is not deducted from your pay – it is an additional contribution.

WHS Officer Salary: Award Coverage, Hourly Rates and Annual Pay

A WHS officer salary depends on award coverage; if award-free, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (38-hour week) applies, with casual loading of 25% where eligible.

Understanding the WHS Officer Salary

A WHS officer salary varies widely depending on the industry, the employer, and whether the role is covered by a modern award. Workplace health and safety officers – also called OHS or EHS officers – inspect, assess, and monitor safety in workplaces. Their pay is determined by the award that covers their duties, or by the National Minimum Wage if they are award-free.

This guide explains how to convert an hourly rate into annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures, and how award coverage, casual loading, and superannuation affect your take-home pay. Use our the timesheet to calculate your own figures.

Award Coverage for WHS Officers

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides clear guidance on award coverage for WHS officers. An industry award applies if the employer operates in that industry and there is a classification matching the employee’s duties and qualifications. Examples include the Manufacturing Award, Health Services Award, Mining Award, and Electrical Power Award. If no industry award applies, an occupational award such as the Clerks Award may cover WHS officers whose role is mainly clerical and administrative. The Miscellaneous Award can also cover WHS officers who are not managerial or professional employees. If none of these apply, the employee is award-free and entitled only to the National Minimum Wage and the National Employment Standards.

Because award rates differ, there is no single WHS officer salary. You need to identify the correct award and classification. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for each award, updated after each Annual Wage Review. For a quick estimate, you can use the National Minimum Wage as a baseline.

Calculating Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula for converting an hourly rate to annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a 38-hour week, which is the ordinary full-time hours under most awards and the National Employment Standards. For example, if your base hourly rate is $30.00:

Weekly: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly: $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual: $1,140.00 × 52 = $59,280.00

If you are a casual employee, add 25% casual loading. The casual hourly rate becomes $37.50, and the annual figure rises to $74,100.00. Our casual loading page explains this in more detail.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1004.90 per week. This is the minimum for award-free adult employees. Casual employees get $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. Award rates are generally higher. For example, the Manufacturing Award has classification levels that may pay above the NMW. Always check the specific award using pay guides or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.

Fortnightly Pay and Superannuation

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by two. Using the $30.00 per hour example above, the fortnightly gross is $2,280.00.

Superannuation Guarantee is paid on top of your ordinary earnings, not deducted from your pay. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a WHS officer earning $59,280 per year, the employer must contribute $7,113.60 in super. This is an additional benefit. See our super and packaging page for more details.

Tax on Your WHS Officer Salary

Income tax is deducted from your gross pay using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil 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% (with reductions for low-income earners). The tax-free threshold means you pay no tax on the first $18,200. For a WHS officer earning $59,280 per year, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $8,000–$9,000, depending on your circumstances. Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Comparing WHS Officer Salaries to Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That is an annualised figure of about $108,352. Many WHS officer salaries fall below this average, especially in entry-level or award-covered roles. However, senior WHS managers or those in high-risk industries may earn above the average. The key is to know your award classification and negotiate based on industry benchmarks.

Using the Timesheet to Convert Your Rate

Our the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the weekly, fortnightly, and annual equivalents. If you are a casual, check the box to add 25% casual loading. The tool assumes 38 hours per week and no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It is an estimate, not a determination of your pay.

Important Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

Summary

Your WHS officer salary depends on award coverage, industry, and experience. Start by identifying the correct award using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance. Then use the hourly-to-annual formula to understand your gross pay. Remember that super is paid on top, and tax is deducted based on the resident scale. For a quick calculation, visit our the timesheet and enter your rate.