The Clerks — Private Sector Award 2020 (MA000002) sets minimum pay and conditions for clerical and administrative employees in private-sector businesses across Australia. It defines classification levels, minimum rates, casual loading, penalties for overtime and weekend work, and allowances. Fair Work updates the rates at least annually, usually on 1 July.
The Clerks — Private Sector Award covers employees mainly performing clerical and administrative work in the private sector — reception, data entry, bookkeeping, office administration and similar — where no other award or enterprise agreement applies. Many small businesses have at least one Clerks-Award-covered role.
Rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Source: Fair Work — Clerks — Private Sector Award (MA000002). Full-time adult minimum rates; casual employees add 25% casual loading to the hourly rate.
| Classification | Minimum weekly | Minimum hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — Year 1 | $1,024.70 | $26.97 |
| Level 1 — Year 2 | $1,073.10 | $28.24 |
| Level 1 — Year 3 | $1,106.20 | $29.11 |
| Level 2 — Year 1 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 |
| Level 2 — Year 2 | $1,139.90 | $30.00 |
| Level 3 | $1,182.10 | $31.11 |
| Level 4 | $1,241.40 | $32.67 |
| Level 5 | $1,291.80 | $33.99 |
Note: rates change on 1 July annually — confirm the current figures with Fair Work before running pay.
Misclassifying an admin role or missing a penalty is a common, avoidable underpayment. Employment Star configures and audits Clerks-Award pay in Employment Hero so your office staff are paid correctly. See our award interpretation service, or browse the SCHADS Award guide.
Private-sector employees mainly doing clerical and administrative work — reception, data entry, bookkeeping, office admin — where no other award or agreement applies.
By the skill and responsibility of their duties across classification levels, each with its own minimum rate — not by job title alone.
Yes — casuals receive a loading on top of the base rate, plus any applicable penalties.
At least annually, usually from the first full pay period on or after 1 July following the Fair Work annual wage review.
Yes — we review classifications and configure Clerks-Award pay correctly in Employment Hero, and audit past pay runs.
Not sure your office staff are on the right level? Book a payroll check. Call 02 7803 7879 or request a free quote.
