Building Award Pay Rates Calculator
Full pay rates, penalty rates, and break rules for the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020).
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
The Building Award (MA000020) Level 1 base rate is $24.95/hr for permanent employees and $31.19/hr for casuals (incl. 25% loading). Common roles: Labourer, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber.
Classification Pay Rates — Building Award
| Level | Classification | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Weekly (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW1 | CW/ECW Level 1 | $24.95 | $31.19 | $948.10 |
| CW2 | CW/ECW Level 2 | $25.10 | $31.38 | $953.80 |
| CW3 | CW/ECW Level 3 | $26.83 | $33.54 | $1,019.54 |
| CW4 | CW/ECW Level 4 | $28.36 | $35.45 | $1,077.68 |
| CW5 | CW/ECW Level 5 | $29.64 | $37.05 | $1,126.32 |
| CW6 | CW/ECW Level 6 | $31.07 | $38.84 | $1,180.66 |
| CW7 | CW/ECW Level 7 | $32.82 | $41.03 | $1,247.16 |
| CW8 | CW/ECW Level 8 | $34.27 | $42.84 | $1,302.26 |
Rates effective July 2025 Annual Wage Review. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Penalty Rates — Building Award
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate | Level 1 Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday (first 2 hours) | 150% | $37.43 | $46.79 |
| Saturday (after 2 hours) | 200% | $49.90 | $62.38 |
| Sunday | 200% | $49.90 | $62.38 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $62.38 | $77.98 |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 150% | $37.43 | $46.79 |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 200% | $49.90 | $62.38 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base hourly rate. Casual penalty amounts use the casual loaded rate as the base.
Break Entitlements — Building Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–8 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 8–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
Calculate Your Penalty Rate
Use the calculator below to find your exact penalty rate for any classification level under the Building Award.
Frequently Asked Questions — Building Award
What is the minimum pay rate under the Building Award?
The minimum base rate under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020) is $24.95 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $31.19 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.
What are the penalty rates under the Building Award?
Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 vary by the type of work. Saturday (first 2 hours): 150% ($37.43/hr at Level 1). Saturday (after 2 hours): 200% ($49.90/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 200% ($49.90/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 250% ($62.38/hr at Level 1). Overtime (first 2 hours): 150% ($37.43/hr at Level 1). Overtime (after 2 hours): 200% ($49.90/hr at Level 1). These are calculated on the base rate, not the casual loaded rate.
How many classification levels are there in the Building Award?
The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 has 8 classification levels, ranging from CW1 at $24.95/hr to CW8 at $34.27/hr.
What breaks am I entitled to under the Building Award?
Break entitlements under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 depend on shift length. Up to 5 hours: no meal break. 5–8 hours: 30-minute meal break. 8–10 hours: 30-minute meal break + 10-minute rest break (paid). 10+ hours: 60-minute meal break + 20-minute rest break (paid).
What jobs are covered by the Building Award?
Common job titles covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 include Labourer, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Site supervisor, Bricklayer, Painter. The award applies to the Construction industry. If you're unsure whether this award covers your role, use our Award Finder tool.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.