What is the air traffic controller salary Australia under the Fair Work Award?

The Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016 sets minimum annual salaries for air traffic controllers. For a fully qualified Air Traffic Controller, the rate is $84,771 per year (based on a 36.75-hour week). Trainees start at $58,352 (Academy) or $71,294 (Field). These rates are the legal minimum; enterprise agreements may offer higher pay.

How does casual loading affect an air traffic controller salary Australia?

Casual air traffic controllers receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate in lieu of paid leave and other entitlements. For example, the award hourly rate for a qualified controller is about $44.35; with casual loading it becomes $55.44 per hour. The loading is paid on all ordinary hours worked.

How is superannuation calculated for an air traffic controller salary Australia?

Superannuation is paid on top of the salary at 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 (2026–27). For a controller earning $84,771, the employer contributes an additional $10,172.52 per year. Super is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra benefit.

Air Traffic Controller Salary Australia: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Conversion Guide

The Fair Work Award minimum for a qualified Air Traffic Controller is $84,771 per year, based on a 36.75-hour week, which equates to approximately $44.35 per hour.

Understanding the Air Traffic Controller Salary Australia

When researching an air traffic controller salary Australia, it's important to distinguish between the National Minimum Wage, the applicable award rate, and any enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Commission's Airservices Australia Enterprise Award 2016 sets the minimum pay for air traffic controllers, while enterprise agreements (such as the Airservices Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027) may provide higher rates. This guide explains how to convert hourly or annual figures, what casual loading means, and how super and tax apply.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

The standard formula used on this site is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a 38-hour week for most roles, but the award for air traffic controllers specifies a 36.75-hour week (averaged over 28 days). To accurately convert an air traffic controller salary Australia, use 36.75 hours unless you are working under a different arrangement. For example, the award minimum for a qualified Air Traffic Controller is $84,771 per year. Dividing by 52 weeks gives $1,630.21 per week; dividing by 36.75 hours gives an hourly rate of approximately $44.35.

If you are comparing with the National Minimum Wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026), an air traffic controller earns well above that. Even a trainee (Academy) at $58,352 per year equates to about $30.52 per hour (36.75-hour week).

Award Rates vs. Enterprise Agreement

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the award rates. For air traffic controllers, the key classifications and annual salaries (as of July 2026) are:

Academy Trainee: $58,352
Field Trainee: $71,294
Air Traffic Controller: $84,771
Unit Tower Supervisor: $94,526
Check & Standardisation Supervisor: $100,157
Systems Supervisor: $100,157

These are minimums. The enterprise agreement often includes higher base salaries and additional allowances. For example, the Airservices Australia Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027 shows a Level 1 controller starting at $116,990 (after 24 months). However, the award remains the legal floor. When using our hourly conversion tool, you can enter the rate that applies to you – whether award or agreement.

Casual Loading

Casual air traffic controllers are paid a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave, notice of termination, redundancy, and public holidays. The loading applies to all ordinary hours worked. For example, a casual qualified controller would earn $44.35 × 1.25 = $55.44 per hour. Our casual loading page explains how to calculate this. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading – check the box on the timesheet to add it automatically.

Shift Penalties

Air traffic controllers often work shifts. The award provides penalty rates for night work (115% of ordinary rate), Saturday (150%), and Sunday (200%). These are not included in the base salary or in our calculator, which assumes a flat rate with no penalties. If you receive shift penalties, your actual take-home pay will be higher. For detailed penalty rates, refer to the award or enterprise agreement.

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an air traffic controller salary Australia of $84,771, the employer contributes an extra $10,172.52 per year. This is not deducted from your pay.

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident rates:

Nil up to $18,200
15% from $18,201 to $45,000
30% from $45,001 to $135,000
37% from $135,001 to $190,000
45% above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy (using 2025–26 thresholds for singles). Our take-home pay estimator applies these rates.

Using the Timesheet

To convert your own hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, or weekly figures, use the timesheet. Enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading if you are casual – check the box instead). The calculator assumes 38 hours per week, but you can adjust hours if your award specifies a different week length. For air traffic controllers, remember the award uses 36.75 hours; you may want to enter that manually.

Summary

An air traffic controller salary Australia is well above the National Minimum Wage. The award minimum for a qualified controller is $84,771 per year, with higher rates under the enterprise agreement. Casual loading adds 25%, super is 12% on top, and shift penalties can boost earnings. Always check your specific award or agreement for exact numbers. For more comparisons, see our average pay and minimum wage pages.