Nanny Award Pay Rates 2026: Junior Wages Under the Miscellaneous Award

Most domestic staff (except carers) are covered by the Miscellaneous Award 2020. This includes nannies, au pairs (not on a cultural exchange), private chefs, gardeners, cleaners and housekeepers.

The Fair Work Commission handed down a landmark decision on 31 March 2026 to abolish, or begin phasing out, junior pay rates for employees aged 18 and over. However, this decision applies only to specific modern awards, including the General Retail Industry Award, Fast Food Industry Award, and Pharmacy Industry Award.

The Miscellaneous Award 2020 was not affected by this decision. As a result, employers of domestic staff can continue to apply age-based junior pay rates for employees under 21 years of age.

As at 1 July 2026, the minimum permanent hourly rates for a Level 2 employee under the Miscellaneous Award are:

  • 20 years old – $26.46
  • 19 years old – $22.34
  • 18 years old – $18.50
  • 17 years old – $15.65
  • 16 years old – $12.81

For casual employees, add the 25% casual loading to the applicable minimum hourly rate.

If you pay the minimum award rates, remember that higher rates apply for weekends, evenings, public holidays and overtime. Refer to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 for a full overview of pay rates and employment entitlements.

If you pay above the minimum award rates, you may be able to agree on a flat hourly rate with your employee, provided they are better off overall than they would be under the Award.

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