Free tool · Rates as at 1 Jul 2026

What does your first groomer really cost?

Wages, weekends, super, leave, payroll tax and insurance, worked out for your state from the official rates.

The job

Employment

Pay

Level

After 3 months' employment.

Hours each week

Ordinary hours add up to 38 of 38.

All-in yearly cost

$62,908

$37.62 per productive hour

against the award's $27.08 an hour

You pay for 1,976 hours a year but get about 1,672 worked (leave and public holidays), and super, leave loading and insurance add 17.6% on top of wages.

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Every line (wages, weekend rates, leave loading, super, workers' comp, payroll tax), notes for your state, and what to do before their first day.

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The levels

  • Level 1: A new employee in their first 3 months.
  • Level 2: After 3 months' employment.
  • Level 3: Has a trade qualification or equivalent.
  • Level 4: Has an advanced trade or sub-professional qualification.

The Miscellaneous Award covers pet groomers working for a pet grooming business that no industry award covers. If your groomer would mainly do retail work, the General Retail Industry Award may apply instead.

Questions

Which award covers pet groomers?

The Fair Work Ombudsman says the Miscellaneous Award 2020 [MA000104] covers employees working as pet groomers for a pet grooming business that isn't covered by an industry or occupation award. If the job is mainly retail work, the General Retail Industry Award may apply instead.

Why does a groomer cost more than their hourly rate?

You pay for 52 weeks but they work fewer: 4 weeks' annual leave, 10 days' personal leave and public holidays are paid time off. On top of wages you pay annual leave loading, super and workers' compensation insurance. For a full-time Level 2 groomer in Victoria that comes to about $37.62 for each hour they actually work, against the award's $27.08.

Do I pay payroll tax on my first employee?

Almost certainly not. Every state's payroll tax starts at total wages of $1 million a year or more, far above one groomer's pay.

Do I need workers' compensation insurance for one employee?

Yes, in every state, usually before they start (Queensland gives you 5 days and South Australia 14 days to register). Victoria and South Australia don't require it below small wage amounts. The calculator uses each state's published rate for pet grooming where there is one.

What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?

Under the Miscellaneous Award, Level 1 is an employee in their first 3 months and Level 2 is after 3 months. Level 3 needs a trade qualification or equivalent, and Level 4 an advanced trade or sub-professional qualification.

Sources

Estimate based on Miscellaneous Award 2020 [MA000104] rates from 1 Jul 2026. It's general information, not legal or financial advice: check the Fair Work pay guide or the Fair Work Ombudsman before you hire. Rates last checked 3 Nov 2026.