Pharmacy Industry Award rates in Australia 2025/2026
A practical guide for community pharmacy owners, managers & payroll teams
Updated • Rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025 From 1 July 2025
Written by
Steve Harris
This guide provides general information about the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012) as at the date of publication. It is not legal advice, industrial advice, payroll advice, or a substitute for advice specific to your organisation or employees.
Nothing on this page constitutes, or should be relied on as, a representation that any particular pay rate, classification, entitlement, penalty, allowance, or interpretation applies to any specific employer, employee, or employment arrangement.
Award coverage, classification, minimum pay rates, penalties, overtime, allowances, and other entitlements depend on the employer's principal business, the employee's role, duties, qualifications, experience, location, employment type, and the hours and times actually worked.
This guide is not monitored for changes in law, and there is no obligation to update it in real time.
Employers remain solely responsible for supporting compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the National Employment Standards, the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020, and any other applicable industrial instruments.
Pharmacy industry award 2025/26 — at a glance
This guide is for general information only and does not provide legal or payroll advice.
The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012) sets minimum pay rates and key employment conditions for community pharmacies and their employees. It covers a mix of retail + health roles, including:
- Pharmacy assistants (Levels 1–4, linked to Certificate II–IV competencies), including dispensary assistants at Level 3.
- Pharmacy students (year of course based), pharmacy interns, and registered pharmacists (including experienced pharmacists, pharmacists in charge, and pharmacist managers).
To maintain compliance practices, employers must confirm the Award applies (community pharmacy coverage), classify correctly (especially Certificate level vs actual duties, and pharmacist role type), and pay the correct time-of-day and day-of-week penalty rates, plus overtime where triggered.
Common payroll risk areas: Wrong award choice (often "Retail" assumptions creep in), misclassification (Level 2 vs Level 3, pharmacist vs "experienced" vs "in charge" vs "manager"), penalty rates misconfiguration (this award is not "one weekend rate"—it varies by time bands), and missing part-time written pattern rules and minimum engagements.
Who this guide is for
This guide is written for:
- Community pharmacy owners and partners
- Pharmacy managers and pharmacists in charge
- Payroll and HR teams processing pharmacy wages
- Accountants and bookkeepers supporting pharmacy clients
It is not intended for hospital, government, or public-sector pharmacy operations.
Key details — quick reference (2025/26)
Applies to: Employers in the community pharmacy industry (as defined), and employees in classifications in Schedule A.
Indicative adult minimum rates (ordinary weekday day rate):
| Classification | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant Level 1 | $26.55/hr |
| Pharmacy assistant Level 4 | $29.27/hr |
| Pharmacist | $38.14/hr |
| Pharmacist manager | $47.65/hr |
Key penalty rates (ordinary hours, where eligible):
| When | FT/PT | Casual (incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri 7:00am–8:00am | 150% | 175% |
| Mon–Fri 7:00pm–9:00pm | 125% | 150% |
| Saturday 8:00am–6:00pm | 125% | 150% |
| Sunday 7:00am–9:00pm | 150% | 175% |
| Public holiday (all day) | 225% | 250% |
Common allowances: Home medicine reviews/RMMR allowance ($106.40/week), meal allowance (overtime > 1.5 hours: $23.74), special clothing/laundry allowance ($6.25/week FT), motor vehicle allowance ($0.99/km).
Key compliance dates:
- Rates effective: first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025
- Important pharmacy-specific change: minimum pay rates for pharmacists (including interns) were also increased from the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2025 (verify using the official Fair Work pay guides)
- Right to disconnect: 26 August 2024 (non-small business) / 26 August 2025 (small business) — see Fair Work guidance
Looking for MA000012? This is it.
The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 is registered with Fair Work Australia as Modern Award MA000012. If you've been searching for MA000012, you're in the right place. This guide covers all pay rates, penalty rates, and entitlements under this award.
View MA000012 on Fair Work Australia →Most searched Pharmacy Award rates (quick answer)
Indicative adult minimum hourly rates — ordinary weekday hours
(Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012), effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025)
| Classification | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant Level 1 | $26.55 |
| Pharmacy assistant Level 2 | $27.16 |
| Pharmacy assistant Level 3 (incl. dispensary assistant) | $28.12 |
| Pharmacy assistant Level 4 | $29.27 |
| Pharmacist | $38.14 |
| Pharmacist manager | $47.65 |
Important: These are base rates for ordinary weekday hours only. Higher rates may apply depending on the time worked (early mornings, evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays), employment type (casual, part-time, full-time), junior status, overtime triggers, or annualised wage arrangements. Always confirm classification and applicable penalties before paying.
Enterprise agreements and individual arrangements
This guide does not take into account enterprise agreements, individual flexibility arrangements (IFAs), guarantees of annual earnings, annualised wage agreements, or other industrial instruments. Where another lawful instrument applies, award rates/conditions may not be payable, subject to the Fair Work Act.
Annualised wage arrangements under the Award are available only for a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant level 4. Any such arrangement must be supported by a written agreement that specifies the annualised wage, the award provisions it is taken to satisfy, how the wage was calculated, and the applicable outer limits for ordinary and overtime hours.
Award rate calculator
See how RosterElf interprets the Pharmacy Industry Award
This is an educational example showing how time-band penalty rates work under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012). Select your employee type and classification to see indicative rates for different shift times.
Pharmacy Award time-band penalty rates
Example weekly cost (38 hours)
Example only — not for payroll use
This is a demonstration of how RosterElf calculates Pharmacy Award-compliant rates.
The actual cost for your employees will depend on:
- Their specific classification level and employment type
- The exact hours and times worked (the Pharmacy Award uses detailed time-band penalties)
- Any additional allowances (HMR, meal, transport, vehicle, clothing)
- Overtime rules: first 2 hours Mon–Sat at 150%, then 200%
- Current award rates — pharmacist classifications have scheduled increases from 30 June 2026 and 30 June 2027
- Junior rates where applicable (Levels 1–2 only, for employees under 21)
Calculator Limitation
This calculator shows key time-band scenarios for demonstration. The Pharmacy Award has 11 different penalty time-bands across weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. Always verify your specific shift mix with the official Fair Work pay guide and PACT.
For accurate payroll calculations, always:
- Verify current rates with the official Fair Work pay guide
- Use the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) for your specific classification and shift pattern
- Confirm your employees' correct classification and experience years (for pharmacist progression)
- Use award interpretation software or consult a payroll professional
Do not rely on this example for actual wage payments.
Stop calculating Pharmacy penalty rates manually
Let RosterElf handle award compliance automatically
The Pharmacy Award uses 11 different time-band penalty rates across weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. With pharmacist classifications receiving scheduled increases through 2027, staying compliant manually is a significant burden. RosterElf's award interpretation engine applies the right rate for every shift automatically.
How RosterElf automates Pharmacy Award calculations
Create pay templates
Configure pay templates for each pharmacy classification — assistants, students, interns, and pharmacists — with all time-band penalty multipliers pre-loaded. RosterElf applies the correct template to every shift automatically.
Award interpretation →Handle time-band complexity
RosterElf splits shifts across penalty time-bands automatically — applying 125% for Saturday daytime, 150% for Saturday evenings, and 175%–200% for Saturday early/late, with no manual calculation required.
Pharmacy Award guide →Auto-apply to every shift
Every rostered shift automatically calculates the correct pay rate based on the employee's classification, employment type, and the exact hours worked — including pharmacist experience year progression and all allowances.
Payroll integration →Learn more:
Quick casual pay rates reference 2025/26
Many community pharmacies employ casual staff. Here are the casual ordinary-hours rates for each classification (Mon–Fri, 8.00 am–7.00 pm):
| Classification | Common roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Level 1 | Entry-level pharmacy assistant | $33.19 |
| Assistant Level 2 | Experienced pharmacy assistant | $33.95 |
| Assistant Level 3 | Senior/dispensary assistant | $35.15 |
| Assistant Level 4 | Dispensary technician / supervisor | $36.59 |
| Pharmacist | Registered pharmacist | $47.68 |
| Experienced pharmacist | 4+ years full-time community pharmacy | $52.23 |
| Pharmacist in charge | Responsible pharmacist | $53.45 |
| Pharmacist manager | Pharmacy manager | $59.56 |
Time-band penalties apply in this award
- • Saturday 8.00 am–6.00 pm: 150% casual (e.g., Assistant L1: $41.49/hr)
- • Sunday 7.00 am–9.00 pm: 175% casual (e.g., Assistant L1: $58.08/hr)
- • Public holidays: 250% casual (e.g., Assistant L1: $82.98/hr)
Use the calculator above to see exact rates for your classification and shift time.
Quick summary for time-poor managers
The four compliance pillars that drive most underpayments
Most underpayments trace back to one (or more) of these:
Award coverage
What goes wrong: treating a community pharmacy like general retail/hospital pharmacy coverage
Why it matters: wrong penalty and classification framework
Classification
What goes wrong: Level 2 vs Level 3 (Certificate II vs III, dispensary work), "pharmacist" vs "experienced" vs "in charge" vs "manager"
Why it matters: base rate errors compound across penalties and overtime
Employment type & minimum engagements
What goes wrong: missing part-time written pattern, short shifts under the 3-hour minimum, not handling the school student 2-hour exception correctly
Why it matters: "hidden" underpayments in short shifts
When/how work is done
What goes wrong: penalty time bands (early mornings/evenings) not configured, overtime triggers missed (e.g., midnight–7am, non-continuous shifts)
Why it matters: penalties can exceed base pay
If you only skim one section, make it this:
This Award is not "weekday base + weekend penalty." It has time-band penalty rates (early morning and late trading), plus tight part-time rostering rules, and overtime triggers that can bite if you run late-night trading or unusual split shifts.
"Sanity check" minimum adult hourly rates (weekday base)
Indicative only — verify classification and duties.
| Classification | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant L1 | $26.55/hr |
| Pharmacy assistant L2 | $27.16/hr |
| Pharmacy assistant L3 / dispensary assistant L3 | $28.12/hr |
| Pharmacy assistant L4 | $29.27/hr |
| Pharmacy intern (1st half) | $31.05/hr |
| Pharmacy intern (2nd half) | $32.11/hr |
| Pharmacist | $38.14/hr |
| Experienced pharmacist | $41.78/hr |
| Pharmacist in charge | $42.76/hr |
| Pharmacist manager | $47.65/hr |
Most searched roles — typical award classification & rates (indicative)
Classification depends on duties and (for assistants) certificate competencies — not job title.
| Role (common) | Likely classification | Notes | Adult base hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant (entry / not Cert II) | Level 1 | No Cert II competencies yet | $26.55 |
| Pharmacy assistant (Cert II) | Level 2 | Cert II in Community Pharmacy | $27.16 |
| Dispensary assistant / technician (Cert III) | Level 3 | Dispensary under pharmacist supervision | $28.12 |
| Senior pharmacy assistant (Cert IV) | Level 4 | May supervise L1–L3 | $29.27 |
| Pharmacy student | Student (1st–4th year) | Rate follows progress through course | $26.55–$29.27 |
| Pharmacy intern | Intern (1st or 2nd half) | Post-study, clinical training | $31.05–$32.11 |
| Registered pharmacist | Pharmacist | Registered (not student) | $38.14 |
| Senior/experienced pharmacist | Experienced pharmacist | 4 years FT (or PT equivalent) | $41.78 |
| Pharmacist in charge | Pharmacist in charge | Day-to-day supervision & functioning | $42.76 |
| Pharmacist manager | Pharmacist manager | Responsible to owner for all aspects | $47.65 |
Junior rates: If the employee is a pharmacy assistant Level 1 or 2 and under 21, junior % rates apply.
What changed 2025/26
The Fair Work Commission reviews modern awards each year. For the 2025-26 period, the Pharmacy Industry Award received the standard annual wage review increase effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025.
Key changes effective 1 july 2025
| Change | Details | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Wage increase | 3.5% increase to all minimum rates | Update payroll systems with new rates before first pay period on/after 1 July 2025 |
| Pharmacist gender-based undervaluation increases | Minimum pay rates for pharmacists and pharmacy interns also increased from the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2025 under the Fair Work Commission's gender-based undervaluation review. Further scheduled increases for pharmacist classifications apply from 30 June 2026 and 30 June 2027. | Monitor scheduled increases and update payroll before each effective date |
| Super guarantee | Increased to 12% from 1 July 2025 | Verify super contributions match new rate |
| High income threshold | Increased to $183,100 for 2025–26 (unfair dismissal cap) | Review which employees now fall under threshold |
Impact by role
| Classification | Previous rate | New rate (Jul 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy assistant L1 | $25.59 | $26.55 | +$0.96 |
| Pharmacy assistant L2 | $26.18 | $27.16 | +$0.98 |
| Pharmacy assistant L3 | $27.10 | $28.12 | +$1.02 |
| Pharmacy assistant L4 | $28.21 | $29.27 | +$1.06 |
| Pharmacist | $36.76 | $38.14 | +$1.38 |
| Experienced pharmacist | $40.27 | $41.78 | +$1.51 |
| Pharmacist manager | $45.93 | $47.65 | +$1.72 |
Tip: Set a calendar reminder for late June each year to check for the Annual Wage Review decision. The Fair Work Commission typically announces it in early June, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.
Other recent and upcoming legislative changes
- Criminal wage underpayments (from 1 January 2025): Intentional underpayments can now be a criminal offence. Small businesses should review the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code and ensure underpayment reporting obligations are understood.
- Right to disconnect (26 August 2024 for non-small business; 26 August 2025 for small business): The Pharmacy Award now includes a right-to-disconnect term. Employees may refuse to monitor, read, or respond to employer contact outside working hours unless the refusal is unreasonable. Review any after-hours contact expectations in employment agreements and store policies.
- Casual employment / employee choice (26 August 2024): The pathway changed from "casual conversion" to employee choice. For casuals employed before 26 August 2024, notice dates started 26 February 2025 (non-small business) or 26 August 2025 (small business).
- Superannuation as NES entitlement (from 1 January 2024): Unpaid superannuation can now be enforced directly under the Fair Work Act.
- Payday Super (enacted, starts 1 July 2026): Employers will need to pay super contributions at the same time as wages, with contributions reaching the fund within 7 business days. Start reviewing payroll processes now.
Historical changes
Recent significant changes to the Pharmacy Industry Award:
- 2024: 3.75% wage increase from 1 July 2024
- 2023: 5.75% wage increase from 1 July 2023 (higher than usual due to cost of living pressures)
- 2022: 4.6% wage increase from 1 July 2022
- 2020: Award modernisation review and consolidation
Award coverage
The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012) covers employers in the community pharmacy industry and their employees. It applies to retail pharmacies (chemist shops) that dispense medications and provide health products and advice.
Who is covered?
- Pharmacy assistants (retail/sales roles in a pharmacy)
- Dispensary assistants (assisting with dispensing under pharmacist supervision)
- Pharmacy students and interns
- Pharmacists (employee pharmacists, not owner-operators)
- Delivery drivers employed by the pharmacy
Who is NOT covered?
- Hospital pharmacists (usually covered by Health Professionals Award or state health awards)
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing workers (Manufacturing Award)
- Pharmacy owners/proprietors (not employees)
- Employees covered by an enterprise agreement that operates to the exclusion of the Award
Tick boxes above to see a result.
Note: This tool provides general guidance only, not legal advice. Always confirm coverage using the Fair Work "Find my award" tool or seek professional advice.
What is the pharmacy industry Award?
The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 is a Modern Award under the Fair Work system. It sets minimum pay rates, working conditions, and entitlements for employees in community pharmacies throughout Australia.
Key areas covered by the Award include:
- Minimum hourly rates for each classification level
- Penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime
- Allowances for uniforms, meals, travel, and special duties
- Hours of work including ordinary hours, breaks, and rostering rules
- Leave entitlements including annual leave loading
- Employment types (full-time, part-time, casual)
Classifications
The Pharmacy Industry Award has separate classification structures for pharmacy assistants and pharmacists. Classification depends on qualifications, duties performed, and level of responsibility.
Which classification?
Use this interactive tool to help determine the correct classification for an employee:
Is the employee a registered pharmacist or pharmacy intern?
Pharmacy assistant classifications
| Level | Typical duties |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Entry level, routine tasks under direct supervision, stock handling, basic customer service |
| Level 2 | Experienced assistant, cash handling, customer advice on non-prescription products, stock management |
| Level 3 | Holds or working towards Cert III, dispensary assistant duties, S2/S3 medicine sales, may train others |
| Level 4 | Holds Cert IV or equivalent, senior dispensary assistant, supervises others, complex customer advice |
Pharmacist classifications
| Level | Typical duties |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy intern | Pharmacy graduate undertaking supervised practice for registration |
| Pharmacist | Registered pharmacist, dispensing, clinical services, general supervision |
| Experienced pharmacist | Pharmacist with at least 4 years full-time community pharmacy experience (or part-time equivalent) |
| Pharmacist in charge | Pharmacist responsible for professional services and supervision when owner absent |
| Pharmacist manager | Pharmacist with overall responsibility for pharmacy operations, staff management, business performance |
Common roles – which level?
Click each role to see where it typically fits in the classification structure.
Classification tip: Always compare the employee's actual duties, qualifications, and responsibilities against the Award's classification descriptors. Job titles alone don't determine classification.
2025/26 pay rates
Rates below are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. Always verify against the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT).
Indicative only — verify in the current pay guide / Award.
Pharmacy assistant rates
| Level | Minimum hourly rate | Casual hourly rate (25%) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $26.55 | $33.19 |
| Level 2 | $27.16 | $33.95 |
| Level 3 | $28.12 | $35.15 |
| Level 4 | $29.27 | $36.59 |
Junior pharmacy assistant rates (under 21)
Junior rates apply to pharmacy assistants Level 1 and Level 2 only. Junior rates are a percentage of the adult rate based on age.
| Age | % of adult rate | Level 1 rate | Level 2 rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 45% | $11.95 | $12.22 |
| 16 years | 50% | $13.28 | $13.58 |
| 17 years | 60% | $15.93 | $16.30 |
| 18 years | 70% | $18.59 | $19.01 |
| 19 years | 80% | $21.24 | $21.73 |
| 20 years | 90% | $23.90 | $24.44 |
Important: Junior rates only apply to Level 1 and Level 2 pharmacy assistants. Level 3, Level 4, and all pharmacist classifications must be paid the adult rate regardless of age.
Pharmacist rates
| Classification | Minimum hourly rate | Casual hourly rate (25%) |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy intern (1st half) | $31.05 | $38.81 |
| Pharmacy intern (2nd half) | $32.11 | $40.14 |
| Pharmacist | $38.14 | $47.68 |
| Experienced pharmacist | $41.78 | $52.23 |
| Pharmacist in charge | $42.76 | $53.45 |
| Pharmacist manager | $47.65 | $59.56 |
Employment & rostering
Employment types
| Type | Hours | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 38 hours/week (average) | Entitled to all leave benefits, regular roster |
| Part-time | Less than 38 hours/week | Pro-rata leave, agreed regular hours in writing |
| Casual | As required | 25% loading, no paid leave, 3-hour minimum engagement |
Ordinary hours
Ordinary hours for full-time employees are 38 hours per week, to be worked within the following span:
Monday to Friday
7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Standard weekday trading hours
Saturday
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Weekend trading hours
Rostering requirements
- Roster notice (part-time): At least 7 days' notice is required when changing a part-time employee's regular roster; in a genuine emergency, 48 hours' notice applies. This notice rule applies specifically to changes to a part-time roster, not as a universal rule for all employees.
- Minimum engagement: 3 consecutive hours per engagement for both casuals and part-time employees
- School students exception: Minimum 2 hours for full-time secondary school students working after-school shifts during school term (school days only)
- Maximum shift: 10 hours (ordinary hours) or 12 hours including reasonable overtime
- Meal break: Unpaid break of 30–60 minutes after 5 hours' work
- Rest break: 10-minute paid rest break per 4 hours worked
- Days off: At least 2 consecutive days off per week (or 4 in a fortnight)
Part-time agreement requirements
Part-time employees must have a written agreement specifying:
- The number of hours to be worked each week
- The days on which hours will be worked
- The starting and finishing times for each day
Part-time compliance tip: Without a written agreement specifying regular hours, an employee may be treated as casual (with 25% loading) or dispute hours. Keep signed copies of part-time agreements on file.
Penalties & overtime
The Pharmacy Industry Award has time-band specific penalty rates. Different rates apply depending on the exact time of day and day of the week.
Penalty rates by time band
| When worked | FT/PT % | Casual % (incl. loading) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri 7.00 am–8.00 am | 150% | 175% |
| Mon–Fri 8.00 am–7.00 pm | 100% | 125% |
| Mon–Fri 7.00 pm–9.00 pm | 125% | 150% |
| Mon–Fri 9.00 pm–midnight | 150% | 175% |
| Saturday 7.00 am–8.00 am | 200% | 225% |
| Saturday 8.00 am–6.00 pm | 125% | 150% |
| Saturday 6.00 pm–9.00 pm | 150% | 175% |
| Saturday 9.00 pm–midnight | 175% | 200% |
| Sunday 7.00 am–9.00 pm | 150% | 175% |
| Sunday before 7.00 am / after 9.00 pm | 200% | 225% |
| Public holiday – all hours | 225% | 250% |
Overtime rates
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Mon–Sat: first 2 hours | 150% |
| Mon–Sat: after 2 hours | 200% |
| Sunday | 200% |
| Public holiday | 250% |
Penalty stacking: Weekend/public holiday penalty rates and overtime rates don't "stack"—you pay whichever rate is higher, not both.
Casual loading and overtime: Casual loading is not payable on overtime. The overtime rate itself provides the appropriate compensation.
Worked examples
Example 1: Saturday shift crossing time bands
Scenario: Level 2 pharmacy assistant (full-time) works Saturday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm (2 hrs) — Saturday 8am–6pm band: $27.16 × 125% = $33.95/hr × 2 = $67.90
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (2 hrs) — Saturday 6pm–9pm band: $27.16 × 150% = $40.74/hr × 2 = $81.48
Total: $149.38
Example 2: Casual Sunday shift
Scenario: Casual Level 1 pharmacy assistant works Sunday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Base rate: $26.55/hr
Sunday 7am–9pm casual rate: $26.55 × 175% = $46.46/hr
4 hours @ $46.46: $185.84
Total: $185.84
Example 3: Pharmacist on public holiday
Scenario: Full-time pharmacist works Christmas Day 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Base rate: $38.14/hr
Public holiday rate: $38.14 × 225% = $85.82/hr
4 hours @ $85.82: $343.28
Total: $343.28
Example 4: Evening shift with overtime
Scenario: Part-time Level 3 dispensary assistant works Thursday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm (agreed hours are 4–8 pm)
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (3 hrs ordinary): $28.12 × 100% = $28.12/hr × 3 = $84.36
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (1 hr ordinary): $28.12 × 125% = $35.15/hr × 1 = $35.15
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm (1 hr overtime): $28.12 × 150% = $42.18/hr × 1 = $42.18
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm (1 hr overtime): Higher of 150% penalty or 150% OT = $42.18/hr × 1 = $42.18
Total: $203.87
Allowances
The Award provides for various allowances. The main ones relevant to community pharmacies include:
| Allowance | Amount (indicative) | When payable |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing/laundry allowance | $6.25/week (FT); $1.25/shift (PT or casual) | When employee required to wear and launder a uniform |
| Meal allowance (overtime) | $23.74/occasion; additional $21.28 if overtime exceeds 4 hours | When required to work overtime not notified day before |
| On-premises meal allowance (pharmacists) | 150% of pharmacist minimum hourly rate for the meal-break period | Where the pharmacist cannot be relieved during their meal break (clause 19.4) |
| Home medicine reviews / RMMR allowance | $106.40/week | Pharmacist, Experienced Pharmacist, Pharmacist in Charge or Pharmacist Manager required to perform HMRs or RMMRs |
| Motor vehicle allowance | $0.99/km | Work travel in own vehicle (e.g., deliveries) where award conditions are met |
| Transport reimbursement | Reimbursement of commercial passenger vehicle costs | Where the employee starts before 7.00 am or starts/finishes after 10.00 pm and award conditions are met |
Indicative only — verify in the current pay guide / Award.
Allowance tip: Allowance amounts are updated with annual wage reviews. Always check the current Pay and Conditions Tool for up-to-date figures.
Leave
Leave entitlements
| Leave type | Full-time | Part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual leave | 4 weeks/year + loading (17.5% or relevant weekend penalty rate, whichever is greater) | Pro-rata + loading (17.5% or relevant weekend penalty rate, whichever is greater) | None (25% loading instead) |
| Personal/carer's leave | 10 days/year (paid) | Pro-rata (paid) | 2 days/occasion (unpaid) |
| Compassionate leave | 2 days/occasion (paid) | 2 days/occasion (paid) | 2 days/occasion (unpaid) |
| Parental leave | Per NES (12 months unpaid) | Per NES (12 months unpaid) | Per NES (if regular pattern) |
| Long service leave | Per state/territory legislation (typically 8.67 weeks after 10 years) | ||
| Public holidays | Paid at base pay rate for ordinary hours they would have worked (only if ordinary hours were scheduled that day); 225% if worked | Paid at base pay rate for ordinary hours if scheduled that day; no payment if no ordinary hours scheduled | 250% if worked |
Annual leave loading
Permanent employees receive an annual leave loading of 17.5% or the relevant weekend penalty rate, whichever is greater — but not both. The loading is calculated on the employee's ordinary time rate.
Example: A Level 2 assistant takes 2 weeks annual leave. Base pay would be 76 hours × $27.16 = $2,064.16. With 17.5% loading: $2,064.16 × 1.175 = $2,425.39.
Casual leave: Casuals don't accrue paid annual or personal leave (compensated by the 25% loading). However, casuals are entitled to unpaid carer's leave and compassionate leave under the NES.
Compliance checklist
Use this checklist to audit your Pharmacy Award compliance. Tick each item as you verify it.
Common mistakes
Avoid these frequent Pharmacy Award compliance errors:
1. Treating community pharmacy like hospital pharmacy
Applying Health Professionals Award rates or conditions to community pharmacy staff. Community pharmacies use Pharmacy Industry Award (MA000012), which has different rates and penalty structures.
2. Wrong classification level
Paying a dispensary assistant as Level 1 when they're performing Level 3 duties. Always match classification to actual duties and qualifications, not job title.
3. Ignoring time-band penalties
Using flat weekend rates instead of time-band specific rates. Saturday after 6pm gets a higher rate than Saturday daytime. Weekday evening (7pm-9pm) also attracts penalties.
4. Saturday penalty miscalculation
Applying a flat rate for all Saturday hours. The Award has four Saturday time bands (7.00 am–8.00 am, 8.00 am–6.00 pm, 6.00 pm–9.00 pm, 9.00 pm–midnight), each attracting different rates. For FT/PT: 200%, 125%, 150%, 175% respectively. Each casual rate is 25 percentage points higher.
5. Public holiday entitlements missed
Forgetting that full-time and part-time employees not working on a public holiday are paid their base pay rate for ordinary hours they would have worked that day — but only if they had ordinary hours scheduled on that day. No payment applies if ordinary hours were not scheduled. Casuals working public holidays get 250%.
6. No written part-time agreement
Part-time employees without a written agreement specifying days, hours, and start/finish times. This can lead to disputes about additional hours and casual entitlements.
7. Minimum shift not met
Rostering casual or part-time employees for less than 3 consecutive hours. The school student exception (2 hours minimum) only applies to full-time secondary school students on after-school shifts during school term on school days.
8. Junior rates applied to wrong levels
Applying junior percentage rates to Level 3 or Level 4 pharmacy assistants. Junior rates only apply to Level 1 and Level 2 — all others must receive adult rates regardless of age.
9. Allowances not paid
Missing meal allowances when overtime wasn't notified in advance, or not paying laundry allowance when employees wash their own uniforms.
10. Not updating rates after 1 July
Continuing to pay old rates after the Annual Wage Review increase. New rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year.
Takeaways
To support your compliance efforts with the Pharmacy Industry Award:
- Confirm coverage: Ensure the Award applies to your pharmacy and each role
- Get classification right: Match employees to correct levels based on duties and qualifications
- Calculate penalties correctly: Apply the right rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime
- Pay all allowances: Don't forget clothing/laundry, meal, HMR/RMMR, on-premises meal, transport, and motor vehicle allowances where applicable
- Keep records: Maintain time and wages records for 7 years
- Stay updated: Check pay rates annually after July 1 increases
Resources
Industries using this award
Explore rostering solutions for businesses covered by the Pharmacy Award
Frequently asked questions
- The Pharmacy Industry Award 2020 (MA000012) covers employees in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and pharmaceutical wholesalers across Australia. It applies to pharmacy assistants, dispensary assistants, pharmacy interns, registered pharmacists, and pharmacy managers. The Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and employment conditions specific to the pharmacy industry.
- Pharmacy assistants are classified at Levels 1–4 based on experience and responsibilities. Level 1 covers entry-level retail duties, Level 2 adds cosmetics and extended customer service, Level 3 includes supervisory tasks and training others, and Level 4 involves front-of-shop management and complex merchandising. Misclassifying a Level 4 assistant at Level 2 rates is a common underpayment error—classification should match actual duties performed.
- Pharmacy interns are registered pharmacists completing their intern year. Registered pharmacists are classified as "Pharmacist" until they have at least 4 years full-time community pharmacy experience (or part-time equivalent), at which point they qualify as an Experienced Pharmacist. Pharmacists-in-charge and pharmacy managers receive higher rates based on additional responsibilities. Employers must track experience to ensure timely reclassification — misclassifying an Experienced Pharmacist at the base Pharmacist rate is an underpayment risk.
- The 2025/26 rates took effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025, following the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. All pharmacy employers must apply the updated rates from this date. Check the official Fair Work pay guides for current rates.
- Yes. All part-time arrangements must be documented in writing before the employee starts work. The agreement must specify regular rostered days, start/finish times, and total ordinary hours per week or roster cycle. This defines when overtime applies and protects both parties. Without a written agreement, you risk underpaying or incorrectly calculating overtime and penalties. Use digital employment contracts to standardize agreements.