What is the minimum hourly rate for a paralegal under the Legal Services Award?

The Legal Services Award 2020 classifies paralegals as legal clerical and administrative employees. For a Level 5 classification (often applicable to experienced paralegals or law graduates), the minimum hourly rate from 1 July 2026 is $33.99. Level 4 pays $32.67 per hour, and Level 6 (law clerk) pays $36.03 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply to full-time and part-time employees.

How do I calculate my annual paralegal salary from my hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 weeks. For a full-time employee under the award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. For example, at $33.99 per hour: $33.99 × 38 × 52 = $67,139.76 per year. Your fortnightly pay would be weekly pay ($1,291.62) multiplied by 2, or $2,583.24 before tax and super.

Paralegal Salary Guide: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax for 2026-27

Q: What is the casual loading for paralegals under the award?

Casual employees under the Legal Services Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate, instead of paid leave entitlements. For a Level 5 paralegal, the casual rate is $33.99 × 1.25 = $42.49 per hour. This loading is paid for all ordinary hours worked. Overtime rates for casuals are also higher, calculated by adding the 25% loading to the overtime penalty rates.

Under the Legal Services Award 2020, a full-time paralegal at Level 5 earns a minimum hourly rate of $33.99, equating to an annual salary of $67,139.76 based on a 38-hour week and 52 weeks.

Understanding the paralegal salary under the Legal Services Award

If you are working as a paralegal in Australia, your minimum pay is likely covered by the Legal Services Award 2020 (MA000116). This award sets out minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, overtime, and casual loadings for legal clerical and administrative employees. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a pay guide summarising these rates, and the Fair Work Commission publishes the full award and a reference tables database of all modern award rates.

How the award sets minimum rates

The award classifies legal clerical and administrative employees into six levels. Paralegals typically fall into Level 4, Level 5, or Level 6 depending on experience and duties. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly and hourly rates are:

Level 4: $1,241.40 per week / $32.67 per hour
Level 5 (including law graduates): $1,291.80 per week / $33.99 per hour
Level 6 (law clerk): $1,369.20 per week / $36.03 per hour

These rates are for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate for the hours they work. The award also requires a minimum engagement of 4 hours for casual employees.

Casual loading and overtime

Casual employees under the award are entitled to a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate, paid instead of annual leave, personal leave, and other entitlements. For a Level 5 paralegal, the casual rate is $33.99 × 1.25 = $42.49 per hour. This loading applies to all ordinary hours. When a casual works overtime, they receive the overtime rates in clause 20.2 plus the casual loading. For example, overtime on a Monday to Saturday (first 3 hours) is paid at 175% of the minimum hourly rate for casuals (150% base + 25% loading).

From hourly to annual: the 38-hour week and the fortnight

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a full-time paralegal under the award, the standard week is 38 hours. So for a Level 5 paralegal:

Annual gross = $33.99 × 38 × 52 = $67,139.76
Weekly pay = $33.99 × 38 = $1,291.62
Fortnightly pay = $1,291.62 × 2 = $2,583.24

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. If you work overtime or on weekends, your actual pay will be higher. The the timesheet tool on this site lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents.

Tax and superannuation considerations

Your take-home pay will be less than the gross annual figure due to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). For a gross annual paralegal salary of $67,139.76, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $11,467, leaving a net annual income of about $55,673. Use the take-home pay calculator for a more precise estimate.

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a Level 5 paralegal, the employer must contribute an additional $33.99 × 12% = $4.08 per hour worked, or about $8,056 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is paid into your super fund. Learn more about super and packaging.

Using the timesheet calculator

Our the timesheet tool helps you quickly convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. Simply enter your base hourly rate (do not include casual loading—use the checkbox to add it) and select your hours per week. The tool applies the 38-hour standard by default but you can adjust it. It also estimates tax and super based on current rates. Remember that award rates are minimums; many employers pay above the award, especially for experienced paralegals. Check the average pay page for broader market data.

For a full breakdown of award conditions, refer to the Legal Services Award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website and the pay database from the Fair Work Commission. These official sources are the most reliable for your paralegal salary calculations.