On July 1 a range of industrial changes came into effect that will largely benefit Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians across Australia.
Knowledge is power and union members have the collective power of their membership to ensure we are all protected at work. Knowing your rights is a critical element of avoiding exploitation like wage theft.
Here’s a summary of the changes:
- An increase of the national minimum wage and Pharmacy Industry Award wages
- An increase of superannuation
- More employees can now request flexible working arrangements (from 6 June 2023)
Minimum and Award Wages Increase
Currently, the national minimum wage in Australia is $21.38 per hour. However, from July 1, 2023, it will increase to $23.23 per hour. For those in Pharmacy, the minimum Award wages under the
Pharmacy Industry Award will also increase by 5.75%.
Even if you are covered by an Enterprise Agreement or an individual contract your minimum wage cannot be less than the Award rate.
| Employee classification |
Minimum hourly rate |
New Minimum hourly rate from July 1 2023 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 1 |
24.73 |
26.15 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 2 |
25.29 |
26.74 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 3 |
26.18 |
27.69 |
| Pharmacy assistant level 4 |
27.26 |
28.83 |
| Pharmacy student—1st year of course |
24.73 |
26.15 |
| Pharmacy student—2nd year of course |
25.29 |
26.74 |
| Pharmacy student—3rd year of course |
26.18 |
27.69 |
| Pharmacy student—4th year of course |
27.26 |
28.83 |
| Pharmacy intern—1st half of training |
27.62 |
29.21 |
| Pharmacy intern—2nd half of training |
28.56 |
30.20 |
| Pharmacist |
33.93 |
35.88 |
| Experienced pharmacist |
37.16 |
39.30 |
| Pharmacist in charge |
38.04 |
40.23 |
| Pharmacist manager |
42.38 |
44.82 |
Superannuation Rate Increase
Employer-paid superannuation is increasing from 10.5% to 11% of your salary or wages from July 1, 2023. Check your receiving the full contribution, as early payments make a huge difference to your long-term super balances.