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
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
Important: All rates and examples are indicative only. Final pay outcomes depend on correct Award coverage, classification, age (juniors), employment type, and the employee's actual hours and work performed. This guide is a high-level summary and does not replace the Award, Fair Work pay guides, or professional advice.
Important note about rates and examples
All rates, tables, figures, and examples in this guide are indicative only and reflect the Award as consolidated at 1 July 2025.
Minimum wages, penalties, and allowances under modern awards may change due to Annual Wage Reviews, Fair Work Commission decisions, or other variations. Employers must always verify current minimum entitlements using the official Award text, Fair Work pay guides, or the Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) before paying employees.
If there is any inconsistency between this guide and official Fair Work sources, the official Fair Work sources prevail.
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.
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 are specifically addressed in this Award for certain classifications.)
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 | 3.75% increase to all minimum rates | Update payroll systems with new rates before first pay period on/after 1 July 2025 |
| Super guarantee | Remains at 11.5% (increased to 12% from 1 July 2025) | Verify super contributions match new rate |
| High income threshold | Increased to $175,000 (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.
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 3+ years post-registration experience OR managing a pharmacy |
| 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: At least 7 days' notice of roster (or roster changes), unless genuine emergency
- Minimum engagement: 3 hours per shift for casuals; 4 hours for part-time employees
- School students exception: Minimum 2 hours for students 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.
Monday to friday penalty rates
| Time band | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Before 7:00 am | 150% | 175% |
| 7:00 am – 7:00 pm | 100% | 125% |
| 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | 125% | 150% |
| After 9:00 pm | 150% | 175% |
Saturday penalty rates
| Time band | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Before 7:00 am | 175% | 200% |
| 7:00 am – 6:00 pm | 150% | 175% |
| After 6:00 pm | 175% | 200% |
Sunday & public holiday penalty rates
| Day / time band | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday (all times) | 200% | 225% |
| Public holiday (all times) | 225% | 250% |
Overtime rates
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Mon–Sat: first 3 hours | 150% |
| Mon–Sat: after 3 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. The casual loading is calculated on top of the applicable penalty rate.
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): $27.16 × 150% = $40.74/hr × 2 = $81.48
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (2 hrs): $27.16 × 175% = $47.53/hr × 2 = $95.06
Total: $176.54
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 casual rate: $26.55 × 225% = $59.74/hr
4 hours @ $59.74: $238.96
Total: $238.96
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry allowance | ~$6.50/week | When employee required to wear and launder uniform |
| Meal allowance | ~$17.00/meal | When overtime >1.5 hrs not notified day before |
| First aid allowance | ~$17.00/week | Appointed first aider with current certificate |
| Motor vehicle allowance | $0.96/km | Work travel in own vehicle (e.g., deliveries) |
| Cold work allowance | ~$0.65/hr | Working in cold storage areas below 0°C |
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 + 17.5% loading | Pro-rata + 17.5% loading | 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 day off (or 225% if worked) | Paid if normally work that day | 250% if worked |
Annual leave loading
Permanent employees receive a 17.5% loading on their annual leave payments. This loading is calculated on the employee's ordinary hourly rate (not including penalties or allowances).
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 flat 150% for all Saturday hours. The rate changes at 6pm (150% becomes 175% for full-time/part-time). Casuals get 175% before 6pm, 200% after.
5. Public holiday entitlements missed
Forgetting permanent employees not working on a public holiday are still entitled to be paid for their ordinary hours. Casuals working public holidays get 250%, not 225%.
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 employees for less than 3 hours or part-time for less than 4 hours. School student exception (2 hours) only applies 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 laundry, meal, first aid, and other entitlements
- 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 have pay points based on years of post-registration experience (typically 5 pay points from Year 1 to Year 5+). Pharmacists-in-charge and pharmacy managers receive higher rates based on additional responsibilities. Classification progresses automatically with experience years, and employers must track registration dates to ensure correct pay point progression.
- 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.