Pay Guide • Security • Sydney
Security Guard Pay Rates Sydney: The 2025-26 Award Breakdown
Security guard wages in Australia are set by the Security Services Industry Award (MA000016). Base rate: $24.10/hr permanent, $30.13/hr casual. Saturday: 150%. Sunday: 200%. Public holidays: 250%. Here’s the full breakdown — useful whether you’re a guard checking your payslip or an employer budgeting for security.
What Award Covers Security Guards in Australia?
The Security Services Industry Award 2020 (MA000016) sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, overtime, and conditions for security employees across Australia. It's administered by the Fair Work Commission and updated annually (rates change from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year). The current rates are effective from 1 July 2025.
The Award covers: security guards (static, mobile, crowd control), monitoring centre operators, control room operators, and security trainers. It does NOT cover consulting, equipment installation, or management-level roles.
Base Rates for Security Guards — 2025-26
| Level | Permanent hourly | Casual hourly (25% loading) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (entry — basic guarding) | $24.10 | $30.13 |
| Level 2 (experienced — additional responsibilities) | $25.30 | $31.63 |
| Level 3 (senior — supervision, specialised) | $26.50 | $33.13 |
| Level 4 (control room / monitoring) | $27.70 | $34.63 |
| Level 5 (specialist — dog handler, armed) | $28.90 | $36.13 |
Penalty Rates: Nights, Weekends, and Public Holidays
| Shift type | Multiplier | Level 1 rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday day shift | 100% | $24.10 |
| Afternoon shift (after 6pm) | 115% | $27.72 |
| Night shift (after 12am) | 130% | $31.33 |
| Saturday | 150% | $36.15 |
| Sunday | 200% | $48.20 |
| Public holiday | 250% | $60.25 |
Casual employees receive penalty rates ON TOP of their casual loading. A casual guard working a public holiday at Level 1 earns approximately $75.33/hr. These rates are the legal minimum — actual pay may be higher in competitive Sydney markets.
What This Means for Clients Budgeting for Security
The Award rate is what the guard earns. The client charge-out rate is what you pay the security company — and it's significantly higher. The difference covers:
- Superannuation (11.5% in 2025-26)
- Workers compensation insurance
- Public liability insurance ($10M minimum for Master Licence holders)
- Uniform and equipment
- Administration, rostering, HR
- Company margin
A Level 1 guard earning $24.10/hr costs the security company roughly $33-$38/hr in total employment cost. The client is then charged $40-$55/hr — the $7-$17 margin covers insurance, admin, and profit. When a client questions why they're paying $50/hr when the guard "only earns $24" — this breakdown explains the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum hourly rate for a security guard in Sydney?
$24.10/hr for a Level 1 permanent employee, or $30.13/hr for a Level 1 casual (25% loading). These are the minimum rates under the Security Services Industry Award MA000016, effective from 1 July 2025. Actual pay in the Sydney market is often above the minimum.
How much do security guards earn on weekends?
Saturday: 150% of base ($36.15/hr at Level 1 permanent). Sunday: 200% ($48.20/hr). Public holidays: 250% ($60.25/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on top of their 25% casual loading. Weekend work significantly boosts guard earnings.
When do security guard pay rates change?
Annually — from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year, following the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. The 2025-26 rates are current. The 2026-27 rates will be announced mid-2026 and take effect from July 2026.
Why does a security company charge $50/hr when the guard earns $24?
The $26/hr gap covers: superannuation (11.5%), workers comp insurance, public liability insurance ($10M minimum), uniform, equipment, admin, rostering, HR, and the company's operating margin. A guard costing $24.10/hr in wages costs the company $33-$38/hr in total employment cost. The remaining margin funds business operations.
Do casual security guards get penalty rates?
Yes — casual employees receive penalty rates ON TOP of their 25% casual loading. A Level 1 casual working Sunday earns approximately $60.26/hr (200% of $30.13). This is why weekend casual guard shifts are highly sought after.
Are security guard wages going up in 2026?
Almost certainly — the Fair Work Commission has awarded annual increases for over a decade. The 2025 increase was approximately 3.75%. The 2026 increase will be announced in June 2026. Award rate increases flow through to client charge-out rates over the following quarter.
Need help budgeting for guard costs?
We'll give you a transparent breakdown: guard rate, penalties, oncosts, and the total charge-out — so you can budget accurately and compare quotes fairly.