Warehouse supervisor salary: state and industry differences explained

Understanding the warehouse supervisor salary landscape

A warehouse supervisor oversees the receipt, handling, and dispatch of goods in a store or warehouse. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (OSCA 721132), main tasks include managing inventory, training staff, and enforcing safety regulations. But what does that mean for your pay? The keyword "warehouse supervisor salary" covers a range of figures depending on where you work, which industry you're in, and whether you're paid under a modern award or an enterprise agreement.

Most warehouse supervisors are covered by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 [MA000084]. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides include minimum rates for classifications under this award, which rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Supervisors are typically classified at a higher level than storeworkers, so their minimum hourly rate is above the award's base. However, precise figures for each classification are not publicly quoted here; you can check the pay guide directly for your level.

Where does the warehouse supervisor salary sit on the index?

The Salary Index uses a national line of $108,352 per year (index 100), based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, annualised to $52,255 (index 48.2). A warehouse supervisor's salary typically falls somewhere between these two benchmarks. For example, an entry-level supervisor on award minimums might earn around $60,000–$70,000 (index 55–65), while an experienced supervisor in a high-paying industry could earn $90,000–$110,000 (index 83–101).

Because actual pay varies so much, it's more useful to look at how state and industry differences affect the range.

State differences in warehouse supervisor pay

The on-site reference provides state-level indices based on average earnings across all occupations. These are not specific to warehouse supervisors, but they give a sense of how location influences pay. For instance:

• New South Wales index 101.2 (annualised $109,658)
• Victoria index 98.0 ($106,137)
• Queensland index 97.9 ($106,064)
• South Australia index 94.6 ($102,450)
• Western Australia index 106.9 ($115,825)
• Tasmania index 88.6 ($96,008)
• Northern Territory index 95.2 ($103,173)
• Australian Capital Territory index 109.9 ($119,090)

A warehouse supervisor in Western Australia or the ACT might expect higher pay than one in Tasmania or South Australia, reflecting the overall cost of labour. However, award rates are national, so the minimum you can be paid is the same regardless of state. The difference comes from above-award payments, enterprise agreements, and market pressure. If you're negotiating a salary, use the states page to compare benchmarks for your location.

Industry differences

Warehouse supervisors work across many industries, and pay can vary dramatically. The on-site reference includes industry indices:

• Mining index 154.7 – warehouse supervisors in mining logistics often earn well above the national line.
• Professional, scientific and technical services index 114.7 – higher than average.
• Education and training index 105.5 – slightly above.
• Health care and social assistance index 97.8 – close to average.
• Retail trade index 75.9 – below average, reflecting lower margins.
• Accommodation and food services index 72.5 – the lowest.

If you supervise a warehouse for a mining company, your salary could be 50% higher than the national line. In retail warehousing, it might be 20–30% below. The award you're covered by also matters: the Storage Services and Wholesale Award applies broadly, but if your employer is in mining, a different award or enterprise agreement may set higher rates. Check the industries page for more context.

Award coverage and minimum rates

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award has several classification levels. A warehouse supervisor is likely a Level 4 or Level 5 employee, depending on responsibilities. From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 4 storeworker (supervisor) is around $27–$29 per hour, plus casual loading of 25% if applicable. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and updated annually. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide for this award lists the exact figures.

Remember that award minimums are a floor. Many warehouse supervisors are paid above award, especially if they have experience, hold a forklift licence, or work in a high-demand area. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is the absolute minimum for adults, but most supervisors earn more.

Using the salary index to compare

To see where your pay sits, calculate your salary index: divide your annual gross pay by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a warehouse supervisor earning $85,000 has an index of 78.4. That's below the national line but above the minimum wage index of 48.2. If you earn $110,000, your index is 101.5, slightly above average. The Salary Index homepage shows the national line and how different groups compare.

Key takeaways

• The "warehouse supervisor salary" is not a single figure; it varies by state, industry, award classification, and employer.
• Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides to find minimum rates for your award.
• State indices show that Western Australia and the ACT tend to pay more, while Tasmania and South Australia pay less.
• Industry matters: mining and professional services pay well above retail and hospitality.
• The salary index helps you benchmark your pay against the national average of $108,352.

For more detailed comparisons, explore the topics page or read about how the index works.