General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Professional Employees Award Classification Levels 2025–26

Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000065

Your classification level under the Professional Employees Award determines your minimum pay rate. Being classified one level too low can cost you $2–4 per hour — more than $3,000 per year for a full-time worker.

Classification levels

Level 1Graduate Professional Pay Point 1.1 (3-year degree)

Base rate: $32.18/hr · Casual: $40.23/hr

Level 2Graduate Professional Pay Point 1.1 (4 or 5-year degree)

Base rate: $33.01/hr · Casual: $41.26/hr

Level 3Graduate Professional Pay Point 1.2

Base rate: $33.56/hr · Casual: $41.95/hr

Level 4Graduate Professional Pay Point 1.3

Base rate: $34.96/hr · Casual: $43.70/hr

Level 5Graduate Professional Pay Point 1.4

Base rate: $36.73/hr · Casual: $45.91/hr

Level 6Level 2 — Experienced Professional

Base rate: $37.97/hr · Casual: $47.46/hr

Level 7Level 3 — Professional/Senior Professional

Base rate: $41.49/hr · Casual: $51.86/hr

Level 8Level 4 — Professional

Base rate: $46.80/hr · Casual: $58.50/hr

Level 9Level 5 — Experienced Medical Research Professional

Base rate: $56.38/hr · Casual: $70.48/hr

See also: Pay rates by classification | Am I being underpaid?

Source: Classification levels are defined in the Professional Employees Award (MA000065), published by the Fair Work Commission.

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