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Minimum pay rates for award free employees
This information is only relevant to employers and employees in the WA state industrial relations system – sole traders, unincorporated partnerships, unincorporated trusts and some incorporated or not for profit organisations. Find out more on the Guide to who is in the WA state system page.
If you operate or are employed by a Pty Ltd business – you can find information on this topic on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Learn about the changes to state employment laws that commenced on 20 June 2022.
About this page
- This page outlines the legal minimum pay rates for adult and junior employees who are 'award free' in the state industrial relations system. Award free means that the employee is not covered by a WA award.
- An award free employee is entitled to the minimum rate of pay and the leave entitlements under the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993. Wageline's Award free minimum pay rates and entitlements summary details minimum entitlements for award free employees.
- In the state system, many employees are covered by a WA award. WA awards are legal documents that outline legal pay rates, allowances, working hours, and leave entitlements for employees in a particular industry or type of work.
- If you are unsure if a WA award applies to you or your business, visit the WA awards for common jobs page or contact Wageline to assist in determining likely WA award coverage.
Minimum pay rates for award free employees
- The adult and junior minimum rates are outlined in the tables below.
- On 23 June 2022 the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) issued the 2022 State Wage Case decision. The state minimum wage for adult employees (21 and over) increased by $40.90 per week to $819.90 per week effective from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2022.
- The minimum pay rates for award free apprentices are on the Pay rates for apprentices page and the minimum pay rates for award free registered trainees are on the Pay rates for trainees page.
- The minimum weekly rate of pay is for a 38 hour week and the minimum hourly rate applies to all hours worked above 38 each week. Award free employees do not have a minimum entitlement to be paid a higher rate of pay for hours worked above 38 each week or for work on weekends or public holidays or for shift work.
| Age | Full time weekly rate (38 hours) |
Hourly rate | Casual hourly rate (includes 20% loading) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (21 years or older) |
$819.90 | $21.58 | $25.89 |
| 20 years | $738.00 | $19.42 | $23.31 |
| 19 years | $656.00 | $17.26 | $20.72 |
| 18 years | $574.00 | $15.11 | $18.13 |
| 17 years | $492.00 | $12.95 | $15.54 |
| 16 years | $410.00 | $10.79 | $12.95 |
| <16 years | $328.00 | $8.63 | $10.36 |
If you are seeking to make a complaint about underpayment of state minimum rates of pay, visit the Making a complaint about underpayments page for information and Wageline's online complaint form.
Further information
- Wageline can answer questions on pay rates and leave for award free employees - please contact Wageline.
- Pay rates for previous years are available on the Previous years minimum rates for award free employees page.
- Wageline's Award free minimum pay rates and entitlements summary details minimum entitlements for award free employees.
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