When you’re looking for work or even if you’ve already got a job, one of the main things on your mind is money.
You can talk to your friends but they each get paid differently, depending on how old they are and where they work. So how do you know if you’re getting paid right?
Minimum wages for jobs
The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) sets minimum wage rates for different types of jobs and workers. It’s illegal for you to be paid less than the minimum wage set by the AFPC.
To find out what you should be getting paid, check out www.worksite.actu.asn.au (new window). The Job Union Match tool gives you a general idea of what people are paid in your industry and also the relevant union to contact for more information about your rights and pay at work.
You can also contact the WorkChoices Infoline on 1300 363 264 to find out what the minimum wage is for your job, age and circumstance.
Average salaries for graduate positions
Graduates start on different salaries depending on their industry or profession and a whole heap of other factors like whether or not they have experience and whether or not the position is part of a graduate recruitment program.
You can get a good idea of what you should be earning by looking at some graduate careers websites:
- AC People (new window) has salary details for more than 500 jobs
- Graduate Opportunities (new window) has details on how much graduates get paid
What to do if you’re being underpaid
If you don't think you're getting paid as much as you legally should, be, there are some things you can do to sort it out.
If you’ve signed a work contract or agreement
All work contracts and agreements must have at least five conditions (as set out in the WorkChoices legislation effective since March 2006):
- Minimum wage as set by the Australian Fair Pay Commission
- Maximum of 38 ordinary working hours per week
- Four weeks of annual leave per year (plus one extra week if you’re a shift worker)
- 52 weeks of unpaid parental leave
- 10 days of paid personal leave per year – this includes sick leave and carer’s leave
If you’re being paid less than the legal amount, or working in unfair conditions, you can contact the Office of the Workplace Rights Advocate (new window) on 1300 882 648 or Job Watch (new window) on 9662 1933 (if you’re calling from Melbourne) or 1800 331 617 (if you’re outside Melbourne).
If you haven’t signed a work contract or agreement
If you don’t have anything in writing but think that you’re not being paid enough, you should start by finding out the standard pay in your industry for someone of your age and qualifications. You can do this by:
- Contacting your union or the relevant industry body
- Asking people who work in the same industry as you
- Checking out out the pay offered in ads for jobs like yours.
- Calling the WorkChoices Infoline on 1300 363 264
Find out more
For more information on pay rates, superannuation and tax, check out the Salary & wages page in our Jobs & Careers section.
