For Australian employers
Award wage checker for Australian employers
AwardGuard is an award wage checker for Australian employers who want to review the hourly rate paid for a supported award classification. It compares the entered rate with a current adult base minimum from the Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database when available, without deciding coverage or giving legal advice.
When is an award wage checker useful?
Use a checker when onboarding a role, reviewing a roster export, preparing for the 1 July rate cycle, or checking a saved team before a pay run. A check can surface a rate that deserves follow-up. It cannot prove an underpayment or choose the correct award for a worker.
Included in an AwardGuard comparison
- A selected supported modern award and classification.
- The hourly rate entered by the employer, displayed in AUD.
- The published adult base minimum when a live operative rate is available.
- The source and operative-date context needed for verification.
Which industries can use it?
The initial Australian coverage is retail, hospitality, fast food, cleaning, community services, home care, and disability services through the five supported awards. Visit the specific hubs for classification links and industry guides.
| Award | Code | Public scope |
|---|---|---|
| General Retail Industry Award 2020 | MA000004 | Adult base classifications |
| Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 | MA000009 | Adult base classifications |
| Fast Food Industry Award 2020 | MA000003 | Adult base classifications |
| Cleaning Services Award 2020 | MA000022 | Adult base classifications |
| Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 | MA000100 | Adult base classifications |
Does the checker decide an employee’s rate?
No. It compares the input to the selected source row. Employers remain responsible for checking the applicable award, classification, employment status, and other pay conditions with official Fair Work resources or a qualified adviser.
What AwardGuard does not determine
AwardGuard does not decide which award, coverage clause, classification, employment arrangement, or entitlement applies to a person. It does not replace the award instrument, Fair Work Ombudsman tools, payroll advice, workplace-relations advice, or legal advice.
- Apprentice rates are not covered.
- Junior results, where available, are estimates and need pay-guide verification.
- Penalties, allowances, overtime, breaks, and other conditions need separate review.
- Enterprise agreements and above-award arrangements are outside this general comparison.
Verify figures and coverage in the Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database, the relevant Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, and the applicable award instrument.
Common questions
- Does a job title decide an award rate?
- No. Coverage and classification depend on the work, the applicable award, and the classification definitions. A job title alone is not enough.
- Does AwardGuard show AUD rates?
- Yes. Supported public rate results are displayed as hourly Australian dollar amounts when the FWC source provides a valid adult base rate.