Personal Assistant Salary in Australia: Awards vs the National Minimum Wage
Understand the personal assistant salary in Australia, how it compares to the national minimum wage, and what modern awards mean for pay.
The median full-time personal assistant salary is $1,832 per week, giving a Salary Index of about 88, well above the national minimum wage but below the all-occupations average.
What is a personal assistant salary in Australia?
A personal assistant (PA) provides high-level administrative support to managers, professionals, or executives. The role involves diary management, travel arrangements, correspondence, and confidential file handling. In Australia, the personal assistant salary is influenced by industry, experience, and the applicable modern award. This article explains where PA pay sits against the national line and how awards compare to the national minimum wage.
Salary Index: where does a personal assistant sit?
The Salary Index measures gross annual earnings relative to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark. The benchmark for May 2026 is $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (index 100). For personal assistants, the median full-time weekly earnings are $1,832, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. That gives an index of approximately 88 – meaning the typical PA earns 12% below the national average. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the all-occupations median is $1,852 (index 88.9). So a personal assistant salary is comfortably above the minimum but slightly below the broad workforce median.
Awards versus the national minimum wage
The writing angle here is awards versus the national minimum wage. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week. That is the legal floor for all employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, most personal assistants are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates. For example, the Clerks Private Sector Award 2020 includes classifications for administrative and executive assistants. A Level 4 or 5 clerk (common for PA roles) earns well above the national minimum wage – often $30–$35 per hour or more. The Professional Employees Award 2020 may apply if the PA works in a professional services firm, with rates that can exceed $40 per hour.
The key point: the national minimum wage is a safety net, but awards ensure personal assistants receive pay that reflects their skills and responsibilities. The median personal assistant salary of $48 per hour is almost double the national minimum wage, showing that market rates are significantly higher than the legal floor.
Industries and states
Personal assistants are concentrated in three main industries: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Public Administration and Safety; and Health Care and Social Assistance. These industries have different award coverage and pay scales. For instance, a PA in a law firm (Professional Services) may be covered by the Professional Employees Award, while one in a government department may fall under the Public Sector Award or a state-specific award.
Geographically, New South Wales employs the largest share (33.2%), followed by Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT (4.5%). State salary indices vary: NSW is 101.2, ACT 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A personal assistant in Canberra might earn more than one in Hobart, reflecting the higher cost of living and public sector concentration.
How to use the Salary Index for personal assistant pay
To calculate the index for a specific personal assistant salary, divide the annual gross earnings by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a PA earning $95,000 per year has an index of 87.7. This helps compare pay across occupations and industries. The index is a benchmark, not a quote for a particular job. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement for minimum entitlements.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. So a personal assistant earning the median $95,264 would receive an additional $11,431.68 in super. Tax on that salary (2026–27 rates, excluding Medicare) would be approximately $22,897, plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is roughly $72,000, depending on individual circumstances. Award rates already include the super guarantee component in the total remuneration package.
Conclusion
A personal assistant salary in Australia is well above the national minimum wage, with a median index of 88. Awards provide a higher floor than the minimum, and market rates often exceed award minimums. Understanding where a PA salary sits on the Salary Index helps both employees and employers benchmark pay fairly. For more details, see our pay guides or how the index works.
Where to look next
Place the figure on the Salary Index. Compare states and industries, then read the method if you want to see why 100 is the national line. More pay guides cover neighbouring questions.
Questions people ask
What is the average personal assistant salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time personal assistant salary is $1,832 per week, or about $95,264 per year before tax. This gives a Salary Index of 88, meaning it is 12% below the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $2,083.70 per week. Hourly median earnings are $48. Actual pay varies by industry, experience, and whether you are covered by a modern award.
How does a personal assistant salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). A personal assistant earning the median of $48 per hour is well above that – roughly 82% higher. Even entry-level award rates for personal assistants (e.g., under the Clerks Private Sector Award) are typically above the national minimum wage. However, junior rates or traineeships may be lower. The writing angle here is that awards set a floor, but the market rate for personal assistants is significantly higher.
What award covers personal assistants in Australia?
Personal assistants are often classified under the Clerks Private Sector Award 2020 or the Professional Employees Award 2020, depending on the industry and duties. Some may fall under state awards or enterprise agreements. The Fair Work Ombudsman's PACT tool can help determine the correct award and minimum pay rates. Award rates are updated annually, most recently by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Always check the specific classification that matches the role.