Pay rates for Australian game developers

Up to date as at 1 July 2021; expected to remain current to 30 June 2022.

Contract rates for game developers

Anything goes.

Tell the Game Workers Union how much you charge to help with a national survey.  https://www.gameworkers.com.au/income/game-developer-contractor/

Pay rates for game developers

In Australia, when you are an employee the amount you get paid is set by an award unless you have a special employment agreement.  In your award, you get paid different amounts depending on your academic qualifications, your experience, and whether you manage other people.

Some awards start at the minimum wage for beginners.  As of 1 July 2021 the Australian minimum wage for people over 21 is $20.33 per hour, which is $25.41 for casuals because they get a 25% loading instead of holidays and sick leave.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/awards/award-and-agreement-free-wages-and-conditions#employee-pay

IGEA, the Australian body supporting game studios, has created a comprehensive guide about employment of game developers.
https://igea.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IGEA-HR-Resource-2021-V2-721.pdf

Programmers

Programmers are covered by the Professional Employees Award which covers scientific work, so their minimum wage is $27.09 per hour and when they work casually that wage is $33.86.
https://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000065#P207_19894

Artists and designers

The Game Workers Union says that artists and designers are also covered by the Professional Employees Award because they are involved in the creation and design of software.
https://www.gameworkers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GWU-AU-A4-Wage-Guide-Game-Developers-v1.4.pdf

2D artists

2D artists are covered by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award which sets the minimum wage for trainees and rates increasing with experience.
https://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000026#P698_76971

Market researchers

Market researchers are covered by the Market and Social Research Award (MA000030) which sets a trainee rate of $21.30 per hour which is $26.62 for casuals.
https://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000030#P263_20216

Office assistants

Office assistants are covered by the Clerks Private Sector Award [MA000002] which sets a Level 1 rate of $21.62 being $27.02 for casuals.
https://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000002#P407_29375

No other award

No other award - the Miscellaneous Award (MA000104) sets the minimum wage for Level 1 employees, but much lower wages for apprentices.
https://awardviewer.fwo.gov.au/award/show/MA000104#P245_16951