AFL Coach Salary: Award Rates, Hourly Pay, and Annual Estimates
A full-time AFL Coach Grade 1 earns $33.44 per hour under the Sporting Organisations Award, or $66,251 annually based on 38 hours per week.
Understanding the AFL Coach Salary Under the Sporting Organisations Award
If you are looking for an afl coach salary, the most reliable source is the Sporting Organisations Award 2020 (MA000082), published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award covers coaching and administrative staff in sporting organisations, including AFL clubs. The minimum rates are updated each year following the Annual Wage Review, and the figures below apply from 1 July 2026.
Coach Grade Classifications and Hourly Rates
The award defines four coaching grades. The minimum hourly rates for full-time employees are:
- Coach Grade 1: $33.44 per hour ($66,251 per year)
- Coach Grade 2: $37.52 per hour ($74,340 per year)
- Coach Grade 3: $45.09 per hour ($89,338 per year)
- Coach Grade 4: $51.13 per hour ($101,297 per year)
These rates are for ordinary hours worked between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm, Monday to Sunday. A full-time employee works an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, multiply the hourly rate by 38 and then by 52. For example, Coach Grade 1: $33.44 × 38 × 52 = $66,251. The weekly rate is $1,270.60, and the fortnightly rate is $2,541.20.
How This Compares to the National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for employees aged 21 and over, or $33.05 per hour for casuals (including the 25% casual loading). The award rates for AFL coaches are significantly higher, reflecting the specialised nature of the role. Even the lowest coaching grade pays $33.44 per hour, which is 26% above the minimum wage. Use our minimum wage page for more details on the national standard.
Casual AFL Coach Salary
Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate instead of paid leave (annual leave, personal leave, etc.). For a casual Coach Grade 1, the rate is $41.80 per hour (125% of $33.44). The casual loading is not paid on overtime hours. Casual employees must be paid for at least 2 consecutive hours per engagement and can be paid weekly or fortnightly. See our casual loading page for more information.
How the Hourly to Annual Conversion Works
The formula used throughout this article is:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. For full-time employees under the award, the standard is 38 hours per week. If you work part-time or irregular hours, your annual pay will differ. You can use our hourly conversion tool to calculate your own figures.
Fortnightly Pay
Many employers pay fortnightly. For a full-time Coach Grade 1, the fortnightly gross pay is $2,541.20 (weekly $1,270.60 × 2). This is before tax and other deductions.
Tax and Super on an AFL Coach Salary
Income Tax (2026–27 Resident Rates)
Tax is calculated on your taxable income after the tax-free threshold. For the 2026–27 year:
- Nil tax on the first $18,200
- 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
- 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
- 37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies. For a Coach Grade 1 earning $66,251, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $11,000–$12,000, depending on your circumstances. Use our take-home pay page for a detailed estimate.
Superannuation Guarantee
Employers must pay superannuation of 12% of ordinary earnings on top of your salary. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year, so super is capped at $32,499.60 for high earners. For a Coach Grade 1, the annual super contribution would be $7,950 (12% of $66,251). Learn more on our super and packaging page.
Summary
The official afl coach salary is set by the Sporting Organisations Award, with minimum rates ranging from $33.44 to $51.13 per hour depending on the grade. These rates are well above the National Minimum Wage. Casual coaches receive a 25% loading. When converting to annual figures, always use 38 hours per week unless your contract states otherwise. For personalised calculations, refer to our reference tables or pay guides.
Disclaimer: Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.