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The Complete Guide to Pharmacy Award [MA000012]

Modern Awards

18 Sept 2025 (Last updated 3 Dec 2025)

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The Pharmacy Award [MA000012] is a complex award with regulations that govern the significant pharmacy industry in Australia.

We know how time poor small businesses can be with the many responsibilities and obligations they need to juggle. That’s why we have put together this comprehensive guide outlining essential updates to the Pharmacy Award. This guide is dedicated to helping you understand the Pharmacy Award, focusing on the rates for 2025.

It covers various aspects, including the general Pharmacy Award rate, specific pay rates for pharmacy assistants across different levels, and the overall framework set by the Pharmacy Guild.

If you're a small business owner and need help in understanding which award your business falls under, call our free initial advice line for employers today.

Pharmacy Award

The Pharmacy Award provides a structured framework for wages and conditions within the pharmacy sector. It sets out the standards for fair compensation, working hours, and other employment conditions, playing a vital role in ensuring a balanced and equitable workplace.

Coverage

The Pharmacy Award covers business owners and employers in the community pharmacy industry and their employees who fit within its classifications.

A community pharmacy means any business that:

  • Is registered under the relevant state or territory legislation for a regulation as a pharmacy or is located in a state or territory where there is no legislation that regulates pharmacies.
  • Compounds or dispenses prescriptions or sells medicines or drugs (which may be alongside other retail goods).

Examples of employees covered by the Pharmacy Award include:

  • Pharmacists
  • Pharmacy students and interns
  • Pharmacy assistants including dispensary assistants
  • Shop assistants working in a community pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Award also covers labour hire businesses and their employers who are placed within an organisation in the community pharmacy industry.

The Pharmacy Award doesn’t cover:

  • Nurses
  • Beauticians
  • Pharmacy employees of the pharmacies listed below that don’t sell goods and services to the public

The following employers are not covered by the Pharmacy Award:

  • Pharmacies owned by a hospital or public institution
  • Pharmacies operated by the government that don’t sell their goods and services to the public

Minimum Wage 2025

Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews both the National Minimum Wage and the minimum pay rates under awards (annual wage review). Most changes begin from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.

The National Minimum Wage applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. This is the minimum pay rate provided by the Fair Work Act 2009 and is reviewed each year.

As of 1 July 2025, the National Minimum Wage is $24.95 per hour or $948 per week.

Some awards contain introductory pay rates for new employees in their industry. These rates generally apply for a limited time until an employee progresses to their next level. These introductory rates may be less than the National Minimum Wage.

2025 updates to the pharmacy award rates

The Pharmacy Award underwent updates to reflect changes in the economic environment and sector-specific needs. These updates are essential for keeping the award relevant and fair.

Key components of the pharmacy award rate:

1. Pharmacy Award Rate Overview:

  • The Pharmacy Award rate outlines the minimum wage and conditions for employees working in the pharmacy sector, including pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and other related roles.

2. Pharmacy Assistant Award Rates:

  • The award specifies different pay rates for pharmacy assistants based on their level of experience, qualifications and responsibility.
  • Level 1: Entry-level assistants, typically new to the industry.
  • Level 2: More experienced assistants who have developed a broader skill set.
  • Level 3: Senior assistants who manage more complex tasks and may have supervisory responsibilities.

3. Pharmacy Guild Pay Rates:

  • The Pharmacy Guild often provides additional guidance on pay rates and industry standards, supplementing the official award rates.

Understanding and adhering to the Pharmacy Award is crucial for maintaining a fair and compliant workplace. Employers must ensure they are up to date with the latest award rates and conditions, while employees should be aware of their rights and entitlements.

Looking for assistance with pharmacy award rates?

For those seeking guidance on the Pharmacy Award rates or needing assistance on navigating the complexities of the award, our team of experts is here to help.

If you're a pharmacy business owner, we can provide you with tailored advice and solutions. Contact Peninsula today for expert assistance to ensure your business is aligned with the 2025 standards.

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