Security technician salary: award rates, national minimum wage and what you can expect

What does "security technician" mean in Australian pay?

When you search for a security technician salary in Australia, the term can mean different things. In common usage, a security technician might be a person who installs, maintains, or repairs electronic security systems such as alarms, CCTV, and access control. Alternatively, some employers use "security technician" as a job title for a security officer who operates monitoring equipment. The public data from the Fair Work Ombudsman and Jobs and Skills Australia focuses on security officers and guards, not on electronic security technicians. This guide explains what the available data tells us and how to think about pay for this role.

Award coverage for security technicians

The Security Services Industry Award 2020 covers employees in the security services industry, including patrolling, guarding, screening, and watching property or people. The award sets minimum rates for five levels of Security Officer:

• Level 1: $28.42 per hour ($1,080.10 per week)
• Level 2: $29.24 per hour ($1,111.00 per week)
• Level 3: $29.73 per hour ($1,129.80 per week)
• Level 4: $30.23 per hour ($1,148.70 per week)
• Level 5: $31.20 per hour ($1,185.70 per week)

These rates are from the consolidated award effective 1 July 2026. They are minimums – many security officers earn more through enterprise agreements or above-award pay. The award also includes a 25% casual loading, bringing the casual hourly rate for Level 1 to $35.53.

If a security technician is actually installing or maintaining electronic equipment, they may fall under a different award, such as the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award. That award has its own classification structure and pay rates, which are not covered in the search results we used. Always check the specific duties and the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides to confirm the correct award.

How does the security technician salary compare to the national line?

The Salary Index measures gross annual earnings against the national line of 100, which is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026.

For a security officer at the award minimum (Level 1, full-time), the annual salary is roughly $28.42 × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $56,159. That gives an index of about 51.8 – well below the national line. However, the median earnings for security officers and guards, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, are $1,818 per week for full-time non-managerial employees. That annualises to $94,536, an index of 87.3. This is closer to the national line but still below it.

If a security technician is covered by a different award, the rates may be higher or lower. For example, an electrician under the Electrical Award earns significantly more. Without specific data, we cannot give a precise index for a security technician.

Concrete examples

• Award-only security officer (Level 1): $28.42/hr, $56,159/yr, index 51.8. After tax (2026–27 rates, excluding Medicare levy) take-home is roughly $45,000. With 2% Medicare levy, about $44,000.
• Median security officer: $1,818/week, $94,536/yr, index 87.3. After tax, take-home around $72,000 (including Medicare).
• National minimum wage worker: $26.44/hr, $52,255/yr, index 48.2. Take-home about $42,000.

These examples show that a security technician salary could range from below the national minimum wage (if junior rates apply) to above the median, depending on the role, experience, and award.

Super and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a security officer earning $56,159, that adds $6,739 to super. The maximum contribution base is $270,830. Income tax for 2026–27 is progressive: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, and so on. The Medicare levy is 2%. These affect take-home pay, but the salary index uses gross earnings.

Where to find more

For a broader view of pay across Australia, see the states page to compare how your location affects the index. The industries page shows that security services fall under Public Administration and Safety, which has an index around 97.8 (similar to Health care). If you are an employer or employee, check the pay guides for the latest award rates.

Conclusion

The keyword security technician salary does not have a single answer in public Australian data. The closest occupation with published figures is Security Officers and Guards, with a median weekly earnings of $1,818 (index 87.3) and an award floor of $28.42 per hour (index 51.8). If your role involves electronic security installation, you may be covered by a different award with higher rates. Always verify the correct classification and use the Salary Index to benchmark against the national line.