Paralegal Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index
Find out how the paralegal salary compares to the national average using the Australian salary index. Award rates, index figures, and state comparisons.
A typical paralegal salary under the Legal Services Award sits around index 60–66, well below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index of 100.
What is a paralegal salary in Australia?
A paralegal salary in Australia is not defined by a single award classification. The Legal Services Award 2020, which covers most legal support staff, uses titles like 'legal clerical and administrative employee' and 'law clerk'. In practice, the term 'paralegal' describes someone who assists lawyers with research, document preparation, and case management, often without a practising certificate. Their pay is typically set by the award or by individual agreement.
Where does the paralegal salary sit on the salary index?
The Salary Index compares a role’s annual gross earnings to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $108,352 (index 100). Using the award minimums from the Fair Work Ombudsman:
- Law Clerk (Level 6): $1,369.20 per week → $71,198 per year → index 65.7
- Law Graduate (Level 5): $1,291.80 per week → $67,174 per year → index 62.0
- Legal clerical Level 1: $1,073.10 per week → $55,801 per year → index 51.5
Most paralegals fall between Level 5 and Level 6, so the typical index range is 60–66. That is well below the national average but above the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($52,255 per year).
How the award sets the floor
The Legal Services Award 2020 (MA000116) applies to employers in the legal services industry. It sets minimum rates for full-time, part-time, and casual employees. From 1 July 2026, adult rates increased by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The award also includes junior rates (e.g., under 16 years at 45% of adult rate) and penalty rates for shift work.
For example, a law clerk working a regular afternoon shift (less than 5 successive shifts) earns $41.43 per hour, while overtime after 3 hours on a six-day workplace pays $72.06 per hour. These penalty rates can lift the effective salary index, but the base rate is the starting point.
State and industry context
Where you work matters. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest state index at 109.9, while Tasmania is at 88.6. A paralegal earning the award minimum in Canberra would have the same nominal pay as one in Hobart, but the local earnings benchmark is higher in the ACT, so the relative index is lower. Conversely, a paralegal in Western Australia (state index 106.9) might find their salary goes further compared to the state average.
Industry also plays a role. The industries page lists Professional, Scientific and Technical Services at index 114.7, which includes many legal firms. Paralegals in large corporate law firms often earn well above award, sometimes reaching index 80–90. In contrast, those in community legal centres or government may be closer to the award floor.
Superannuation and take-home pay
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a $71,198 salary, the employer adds $8,544 in super. This is not counted in the salary index, which uses gross wages only.
Take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy (2%) for a resident earning $71,198 in 2026–27 is roughly $55,500, assuming the tax-free threshold and no HELP debt. The index remains 65.7 on a gross basis.
How to find current rates
The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award. The Legal Services Award pay guide includes all minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. You can also use the topics page to explore related roles like legal secretary or office administrator.
The bottom line
A paralegal salary in Australia is not a single figure, but the award floor gives a clear benchmark. Using the salary index, a typical paralegal sits around 60–66, well below the national average but above minimum wage. Actual pay depends on experience, employer, and location. For a personalised comparison, use the Salary Index calculator.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum wage for a paralegal in Australia?
There is no single 'paralegal' classification under the Legal Services Award 2020. The closest role is a Law Clerk (Level 6), with a minimum hourly rate of $36.03 as of 1 July 2026. Law graduates (Level 5) earn at least $33.99 per hour. Many employers pay above these award minima.
How does a paralegal salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index is 100 (annualised $108,352). A law clerk on award rates earns about $71,200 per year, giving an index of 65.7. A law graduate earns around $67,200 (index 62.0). Actual paralegal salaries vary but typically sit between 60 and 80 on the index.
Do paralegals get superannuation and penalty rates?
Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of base salary (from 1 July 2026). The award also provides penalty rates for early morning, afternoon, and night shifts, plus overtime. Allowances for meals, vehicle use, and uniforms may apply.