Contracts Administrator Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
Find out what a contracts administrator earns in Australia, how the salary index compares, and where to look for award rates. No precise figure is publicly available.
The median weekly earnings for contract administrators are not published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, so an index figure cannot be reliably stated.
What is a contracts administrator?
A contracts administrator prepares, interprets, maintains, reviews and negotiates variations to contracts on behalf of organisations. They work with project managers, architects, engineers and clients to ensure contract terms are met, paperwork is managed, and disputes are resolved. In Australia, the occupation is classified under ANZSCO 511111 and sits within the broader group of Contract, Program and Project Administrators.
Where do contracts administrators work?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the main industries employing contract administrators are:
- Construction (the largest employer)
- Public Administration and Safety
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
About 21,200 people work as contract administrators, with 87% in full-time roles. The median age is 41, and the workforce is 49% female – matching the all-occupations average.
What does the official data say about pay?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects earnings data through the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours. For contract administrators, the median weekly earnings figure is suppressed – listed as 'N/A' by Jobs and Skills Australia – because the sample size is too small or the relative standard error is too high (25% or more). This means no reliable official figure exists for the occupation.
Without that figure, we cannot calculate a precise Salary Index score. The index compares annual gross ordinary-time earnings to the national benchmark of $108,352 (index 100). For example, the national minimum wage ($52,255) sits at index 48.2. A contract administrator earning above award would have a higher index, but we don't know the median.
Award coverage and minimum rates
Most contract administrators are likely covered by a modern award. The two most common are:
- Clerks – Private Sector Award (MA000002) – for administrative and clerical duties.
- Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020) – for those working directly on construction sites.
From 1 July 2026, award minimum rates rose by 4.75%. The entry-level classification under the Clerks Award (Level 1) pays around $25.74 per hour. More experienced classifications pay higher. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, which include the latest minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates.
Some contract administrators may be covered by enterprise agreements or be employed under common law contracts, which can pay above award rates. The states with higher average earnings (like Western Australia at index 106.9 or the ACT at 109.9) may also see higher pay for this role.
How to find your own salary benchmark
If you are a contracts administrator looking to understand where your pay sits, start by:
- Checking the correct award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.
- Looking at the classification level that matches your duties.
- Adding any allowances or penalty rates you are entitled to.
- Comparing your annualised full-time salary to the national index of 100 ($108,352).
For example, if you earn $85,000 a year, your index would be 78.5 (85,000 ÷ 108,352 × 100). That is above the national minimum wage index (48.2) but below the all-occupations average.
Industries and the index
Contract administrators in different industries may see different pay levels. The industries page shows that Professional, Scientific and Technical Services has an index of 114.7, while Construction is not separately listed but is likely above average. Public Administration has an index of 105.5. These industry benchmarks can give a rough guide, but occupation-specific data is still missing.
What about super and tax?
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee at 12% from 1 July 2026, on earnings up to $270,830. For a contract administrator earning $85,000, that adds $10,200 in super. Tax on that salary (2026–27, resident, excluding HELP) would be about $17,938 plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving around $65,862 take-home. These figures are estimates only.
The bottom line
There is no single official figure for a contracts administrator salary in Australia. The ABS does not publish median earnings for this occupation. The best approach is to check the relevant award, compare your pay to the national index, and consider industry benchmarks. If you have a specific offer or current salary, you can use the Salary Index to see where it sits against the national line.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary for a contracts administrator in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for contract administrators (ANZSCO 511111) because the data is not reliable enough. Jobs and Skills Australia lists the median as 'N/A'. Salary estimates vary widely by industry and experience, but no official average is available.
Which award covers contracts administrators?
It depends on the industry. Many contract administrators are covered by the Clerks – Private Sector Award (MA000002) if they perform clerical duties. Those in construction may fall under the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020). The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help determine the correct award.
How does the contracts administrator salary compare to the national salary index?
Without a reliable median figure, we cannot place it on the index. For context, the national index is 100 ($108,352 annualised). The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2. If a contract administrator earns above award, their index would be higher, but official data is lacking.