Award Rates Australia 2026-27
Modern awards set the legal minimum pay for most Australian jobs, above the $1,004.90-a-week National Minimum Wage, not instead of it. This page reproduces real 2026-27 rates for six of the most-searched awards, General Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality, Building and Construction, Nurses and Teachers, then runs each through this site’s tax engine to show what actually lands after tax.
What Is a Modern Award?
The industrial document behind almost every Australian payslip.
A modern award is a legal document that sets the minimum pay, hours and core employment conditions for a particular industry or occupation, and there are 122 modern awards in the Fair Work system (Fair Work Ombudsman, Modern Awards Fact Sheet, updated 12 May 2026). Modern awards began on 1 January 2010 under the Fair Work Act 2009, replacing a patchwork of older state and federal instruments with one national set of industry rulebooks.
Most employees in the national workplace relations system are covered by a modern award or a registered enterprise agreement, and the award applies whichever gives the higher entitlement. The National Minimum Wage applies only to the small share of employees who are covered by neither, and it sits below almost every award minimum, not above it. For the current National Minimum Wage figure and how it is set, see minimum wage Australia, and for how it has moved since 2010, see the minimum wage history guide.
When Do Award Rates Change Each Year?
Once a year, from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, with one exception.
Modern award minimum rates change once a year, from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review (decision [2026] FWCFB 3500, announced 2 June 2026). “First full pay period” is not the same as the calendar date: if a weekly pay period starts on a Monday and 1 July falls on a Wednesday, the new rates apply from the following Monday, the start of the next full period, not from 1 July itself.
The one exception on this page
- Five of the six awards below move on the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
- The Nurses Award (MA000034) moves a month later, on the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.
- That later date reflects a separate Aged Care and Health Work Value assessment, not a delay or an error.
- Checking a nurse’s payslip against the 1 July date used for every other award will be a month early.
All 122 modern award minimum rates rose by 4.75% in the Annual Wage Review 2026, though individual awards can carry their own additional adjustments on top, as the Nurses Award does. Source: Fair Work Commission, Annual Wage Review 2026.
How Do You Find Your Award and Classification?
Two separate lookups: which award covers your job, then which level inside it.
Step 1: find your award
Use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool (P.A.C.T) or the Find out which award covers you assistant, or browse the List of Awards by industry.
Step 2: find your classification
Open your award document and look for Schedule A, which lists classification definitions. Match your actual duties, responsibilities and experience to a level, not your job title.
If you think you are misclassified
Ask your employer or payroll team to confirm your classification against the award. If the disagreement continues, the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) can help, and a registered union or employment lawyer can advise on a formal dispute.
What Is Casual Loading and How Much Is It?
25% on top of the base hourly rate, in place of paid leave and job security entitlements.
Casual loading adds 25%to the base hourly rate for casual employees across almost every award (Fair Work Ombudsman, Casual employees, updated 12 May 2026). It compensates for what a casual does not get: paid annual leave, paid personal and carer’s leave, notice of termination and redundancy pay. A casual employee on the National Minimum Wage earns about $33.05 an hour from 1 July 2026, which is $26.44 plus 25%. The “Casual hourly” column in every table below already has that 25% built in.
A few awards set a different casual percentage, so 25% is the common figure, not a universal one; always check the specific award via the Pay and Conditions Tool. To work out a casual rate from any base hourly rate, use the casual loading calculator, and for what the loading trades away in practice, read casual loading explained.
Do Penalty Rates and Allowances Sit on Top of the Award Rate?
Yes. Every figure below is the ordinary-hours base rate, before either is added.
Working unsociable hours or under difficult conditions attracts a penalty rate on top of the base rate, and specific duties or responsibilities can attract a fixed allowance on top of that again (Fair Work Ombudsman, Penalty rates, updated 12 May 2026). Both are set award by award, so the figures below are typical patterns, not a single universal rate; always check the exact percentage or dollar amount for the specific award.
| Circumstance | Common pattern |
|---|---|
| Saturday work | Around 150% of the base rate |
| Sunday work | Around 200% of the base rate |
| Public holiday | Around 250% of the base rate, or 150% plus a day off in lieu |
| Overtime, first 2 to 3 hours | Around 150% of the base rate |
| Overtime after that | Around 200% of the base rate |
These are common patterns across awards, not exact universal rates; some retail and hospitality awards set lower Sunday rates. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Penalty rates, updated 12 May 2026. Work out your own overtime pay with the overtime calculator, or read overtime and penalty rates.
General Retail Industry Award (MA000004) Pay Rates 2026-27
Eight adult classification levels, from $1,056.80 to $1,291.80 a week.
The General Retail Industry Award sets eight adult full-time and part-time classification levels, from Level 1 at $1,056.80 a week to Level 8 at $1,291.80 a week, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 (Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, General Retail Industry Award MA000004, published 24 June 2026).
| Classification | Weekly pay | Hourly rate | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,056.80 | $27.81 | $34.76 |
| Level 2 | $1,081.00 | $28.45 | $35.56 |
| Level 3 | $1,097.80 | $28.89 | $36.11 |
| Level 4 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | $1,165.10 | $30.66 | $38.33 |
| Level 6 | $1,182.10 | $31.11 | $38.89 |
| Level 7 | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $40.84 |
| Level 8 | $1,291.80 | $33.99 | $42.49 |
Casual hourly already includes the 25% casual loading. Saturday, Sunday, public holiday and overtime penalties apply on top; see the official pay guide for the full penalty tables. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, General Retail Industry Award MA000004 pay guide. For real earnings across retail and hospitality shifts, see retail and hospitality take-home pay.
Fast Food Industry Award (MA000003) Pay Rates 2026-27
Four classification levels, split by supervisory responsibility at Level 3.
The Fast Food Industry Award sets four classification levels, from Level 1 at $1,056.80 a week to $1,150.40 a week for a Level 3 employee in charge of two or more other employees, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 (Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Fast Food Industry Award MA000003, published 24 June 2026).
| Classification | Weekly pay | Hourly rate | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,056.80 | $27.81 | $34.76 |
| Level 2 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Level 3 (in charge of 1 or no other employees) | $1,136.40 | $29.91 | $37.39 |
| Level 3 (in charge of 2 or more employees) | $1,150.40 | $30.27 | $37.84 |
Casual hourly already includes the 25% casual loading. Saturday, Sunday, evening and public holiday penalties apply on top; see the official pay guide for the full penalty tables. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Fast Food Industry Award MA000003 pay guide.
Hospitality Industry (General) Award (MA000009) Pay Rates 2026-27
Seven levels, Introductory at $978.10 a week through Level 6 at $1,221.10 a week.
The Hospitality Industry (General) Award sets seven levels, from an Introductory rate of $978.10 a week to Level 6 at $1,221.10 a week, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 (Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Hospitality Industry (General) Award MA000009, published 24 June 2026). Level 1, at $1,004.90 a week and $26.44 an hour, is exactly the 2026-27 National Minimum Wage.
| Classification | Weekly pay | Hourly rate | Casual hourly | Example roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | $978.10 | $25.74 | $32.18 | Entry-level hospitality |
| Level 1 | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 | Food and beverage attendant, kitchen attendant, guest service grade 1 |
| Level 2 | $1,029.10 | $27.08 | $33.85 | Cook grade 1, clerical, door person, food and beverage attendant grade 2 |
| Level 3 | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $34.96 | Cook grade 2, forklift driver, handyperson, front office grade 2 |
| Level 4 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 | Cook (tradesperson), front office grade 3, guest service grade 4 |
| Level 5 | $1,189.40 | $31.30 | $39.13 | Supervisors: food and beverage, front office, guest service; cook grade 4 |
| Level 6 | $1,221.10 | $32.13 | $40.16 | Cook, tradesperson grade 5 |
The pay guide does not publish a casual column for this award; the casual hourly figures above are computed at the standard 25% casual loading (Fair Work Ombudsman, Casual employees). Saturday, Sunday, late-evening and public holiday penalties apply on top of the base rate. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Hospitality Industry (General) Award MA000009 pay guide. See retail and hospitality take-home pay for what a hospitality shift actually earns after tax.
Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020) Pay Rates 2026-27
Nine levels, several split into lettered or experience-based sub-classifications.
The Building and Construction General On-site Award covers nine levels, several split into lettered or trade-based sub-classifications, from about $1,067.22 a week for an entry-level labourer to $1,381.64 a week for a specialist tradesperson, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 (Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Building and Construction General On-site Award MA000020, published 2 July 2026).
| Level | Weekly pay | Hourly rate | Casual hourly | Key classifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1a to 1d | $1,067.22 to $1,119.72 | $28.08 to $29.47 | $35.10 to $36.84 | General labourer, building assistant |
| Level 2, Competent Worker | $1,141.22 | $30.03 | $37.54 | Experienced general construction worker |
| Level 3, Tradesperson | $1,172.82 to $1,214.04 | $30.86 to $31.95 | $38.58 to $39.94 | Carpenter, joiner, bricklayer, plasterer, tilelayer, stonemason |
| Level 4, Qualified Tradesperson | $1,208.12 to $1,249.34 | $31.79 to $32.88 | $39.74 to $41.10 | Joiner special class, signwriter |
| Level 5, Specialist Tradesperson | $1,243.32 to $1,284.54 | $32.72 to $33.80 | $40.90 to $42.25 | Bricklayer special class, carpenter special class, stonemason special class |
| Level 6 | $1,275.02 | $33.55 | $41.94 | Qualified tradesperson, advanced experience |
| Level 7 | $1,310.02 | $34.47 | $43.09 | Senior tradesperson |
| Level 8 to 9 | $1,340.42 to $1,381.64 | $35.27 to $36.36 | $44.09 to $45.45 | Specialist roles, for example carpenter-diver |
The pay guide does not publish a casual column for this award; the casual hourly ranges above are computed at the standard 25% casual loading. Tool allowances may apply to certain trades on top of these rates. Saturday, Sunday and public holiday penalties also apply on top. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Building and Construction General On-site Award MA000020 pay guide.
Nurses Award (MA000034) Pay Rates 2026-27
Eight classifications, operative one month later than every other award here.
The Nurses Award sets eight classifications, from a first-year nursing assistant at $1,050.70 a week to Registered Nurse Level 5 at $1,878.60 a week, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026 (Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Nurses Award MA000034, published 17 July 2026).
| Classification | Weekly pay | Hourly rate | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing assistant, 1st year | $1,050.70 | $27.65 | $34.56 |
| Enrolled nurse, pay point 1 | $1,139.90 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| Registered nurse Level 1, pay point 1 | $1,219.50 | $32.09 | $40.11 |
| Registered nurse Level 1, pay point 8 and beyond | $1,465.50 | $38.57 | $48.21 |
| Registered nurse Level 2, pay point 1 | $1,504.40 | $39.59 | $49.49 |
| Registered nurse Level 3, pay point 1 | $1,631.20 | $42.93 | $53.66 |
| Registered nurse Level 4, grade 1 | $1,861.70 | $48.99 | $61.24 |
| Registered nurse Level 5, grade 1 | $1,878.60 | $49.44 | $61.80 |
These are Nurses Award rates other than aged care. Casual loading of 25% is already included in the casual hourly column. Saturday, Sunday and public holiday penalties apply on top. Aged care employees are covered by a separate Aged Care Award (MA000018) pay table, not reproduced on this page; see other common awards below. Most public-hospital nurses are paid above these floors under state enterprise agreements. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Nurses Award MA000034 pay guide. For a full breakdown, see nurse take-home pay.
Educational Services (Teachers) Award (MA000077) Pay Rates 2026-27
An annual salary award: $75,684 at graduate level, $104,951 at the top of the scale.
The Educational Services (Teachers) Award pays an annual salary rather than an hourly rate: $75,684 a year ($1,455.40 a week) for a graduate teacher on Level 1, rising to $104,951 a year ($2,013.70 a week) at the top of the scale, Level 5, operative from 1 July 2026.
| Classification | Annual salary | Weekly equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (graduate) | $75,684 | $1,455.40 |
| Level 5 (top of the scale) | $104,951 | $2,013.70 |
These are the verified entry and top-of-scale figures; the award also has intermediate levels and pay points between them that are not reproduced here. Most school teachers are covered by state or system enterprise agreements that generally pay above this award floor. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, Educational Services (Teachers) Award MA000077 pay guide. For the full salary scale and take-home breakdown, see teacher take-home pay.
What Do These Award Rates Actually Pay After Tax?
Fair Work publishes the gross rate. Here is what lands in the bank.
Every Fair Work pay guide stops at the gross figure. Running the entry classification from each award through this site’s 2026-27 tax engine shows the number that actually matters: what is left after income tax and the Medicare levy, with the 12% super guarantee shown separately because it is paid on top of the wage, not out of it.
| Award, entry level | Operative | Gross, per year | Income tax | Medicare levy | Take-home, per year | Super on top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Retail (MA000004) Level 1 | 1 Jul 2026 | $54,954 | $6,830 | $1,099 | $47,024 | $6,594 |
| Fast Food (MA000003) Level 1 | 1 Jul 2026 | $54,954 | $6,830 | $1,099 | $47,024 | $6,594 |
| Hospitality (MA000009) Level 1 | 1 Jul 2026 | $52,255 | $5,980 | $1,045 | $45,229 | $6,271 |
| Building & Construction (MA000020) Level 1a | 1 Jul 2026 | $55,495 | $7,001 | $1,110 | $47,384 | $6,659 |
| Nurses (MA000034) Nursing assistant, 1st yr | 1 Aug 2026 | $54,636 | $6,730 | $1,093 | $46,813 | $6,556 |
| Teachers (MA000077) Level 1, graduate | 1 Jul 2026 | $75,681 | $13,224 | $1,514 | $60,943 | $9,082 |
Australian resident, tax-free threshold claimed, super paid on top of the award wage, no HECS-HELP debt. Nurses Award figures use the 1 August 2026 operative date; every other row uses 1 July 2026. Figures computed with this site’s 2026-27 tax engine, not retyped from any published table.
On the General Retail Level 1 rate, the marginal tax rate is 30%, but the average tax rate across the whole $54,954 is only 14.4%. The gap is why award pay at this end of the scale is taxed lightly overall: the first $18,200 is tax-free, the next band is taxed at only 15% for 2026-27, and the Low Income Tax Offset trims the bill further. For a full breakdown of any salary, use the salary calculator or the income tax calculator.
Which Other Awards Does Fair Work Cover?
Four more of the most-searched awards, without a rate table on this page.
Beyond the six awards above, Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for all 122 modern awards. Four more are among the most-searched: Aged Care, Social and Community Services, Clerks, and Cleaning. Their exact 2026-27 rates are not reproduced on this page; each card below links straight to the official Fair Work pay guide instead of a guessed figure.
Aged Care Award (MA000018)
Covers residential and home aged care employees. Rates have been affected by a separate Aged Care Work Value case, with further increases from 1 August 2026 for some classifications.
Official Fair Work pay guideSocial, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SACS) Award (MA000100)
Covers community services, home care and disability support workers, with multiple classification levels based on competency and responsibility.
Official Fair Work pay guideClerks, Private Sector Award (MA000002)
Covers clerical and administrative employees, with classification depending on the complexity of the work, experience and responsibility.
Official Fair Work pay guideCleaning Services Award (MA000022)
Covers commercial cleaning employees, an industry that is heavily casualised, with many workers on casual or fixed-term contracts.
Official Fair Work pay guideWhat This Page Does Not Cover
Four things that vary too much award by award to state as a single figure.
Apprentice rates
Apprentice pay is typically a percentage of the qualified rate, but the exact percentage varies significantly by award and trade. Check the specific award or the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool.
Junior and trainee rates
Award-covered employees under 21, and trainees on the National Training Wage, have their own rate structures set out in each award, which can differ from the award-free junior and trainee percentages.
Exact penalty rates and allowances
The percentages and dollar amounts shown earlier on this page are common patterns, not the exact figure for any one award. Confirm the precise rate for your award before relying on it.
Enterprise agreements
An award sets a floor. Many workplaces, including most public-hospital nurses and public-school teachers, are covered by an enterprise agreement that pays above the award, sometimes well above it.
Award Rates FAQ
Common questions about modern awards, casual loading and what award pay is worth after tax.
Sources for This Page
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, General Retail Industry Award MA000004, published 24 June 2026, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Fast Food Industry Award MA000003, published 24 June 2026, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Hospitality Industry (General) Award MA000009, published 24 June 2026, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Building and Construction General On-site Award MA000020, published 2 July 2026, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Nurses Award MA000034, published 17 July 2026, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Pay Guide, Educational Services (Teachers) Award MA000077, and Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for secondary school teachers, both operative from 1 July 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Modern Awards Fact Sheet, updated 12 May 2026 (122 modern awards, coverage of the National Minimum Wage).
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Award Classifications, updated 12 May 2026.
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Casual employees, updated 12 May 2026 (25% casual loading).
- Fair Work Ombudsman, Penalty rates, updated 12 May 2026.
- Fair Work Commission, Annual Wage Review 2026, decision [2026] FWCFB 3500, announced 2 June 2026 (4.75% award increase).
- Fair Work Ombudsman, award summary pages for the Aged Care (MA000018), SACS (MA000100), Clerks (MA000002) and Cleaning Services (MA000022) awards, linked above rather than reproduced.
Casual hourly figures marked as computed use the standard 25% casual loading rule applied to the verified base hourly rate; where a pay guide states a casual rate directly, that figure is used unchanged. Take-home figures are calculated live on published ATO rates for 2026-27. Last verified 27 July 2026.
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