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: 2 August 2026Quick Answer
The Building Award (MA000020) Level 1 base rate is $26.67/hr for permanent employees and $33.34/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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW/ECW 1 (a) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level a (new entrant) | $26.67 | $33.34 | $1,013.46 |
| CW/ECW 1 (b) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level b (after 3 months in the industry) | $27.20 | $34.00 | $1,033.60 |
| CW/ECW 1 (c) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level c (after 12 months in the industry) | $27.56 | $34.45 | $1,047.28 |
| CW/ECW 1 (d) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level d (competent construction worker 1) | $28.05 | $35.06 | $1,065.90 |
| CW/ECW 2 | Level 2 (CW/ECW 2) | $28.62 | $35.78 | $1,087.56 |
| CW/ECW 3 | Level 3 (CW/ECW 3) — trade level | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 |
| CW/ECW 4 | Level 4 (CW/ECW 4) | $30.38 | $37.98 | $1,154.44 |
| CW/ECW 5 | Level 5 (CW/ECW 5) | $31.31 | $39.14 | $1,189.78 |
| CW/ECW 6 | Level 6 (CW/ECW 6) | $32.14 | $40.18 | $1,221.32 |
| CW/ECW 7 | Level 7 (CW/ECW 7) | $33.06 | $41.33 | $1,256.28 |
| CW/ECW 8 | Level 8 (CW/ECW 8) | $33.86 | $42.33 | $1,286.68 |
| ECW 9 | Level 9 (ECW 9) | $34.46 | $43.08 | $1,309.48 |
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% | $40.01 | $50.01 |
| Saturday (after 2 hours, or any work after 12 noon) | 200% | $53.34 | $66.68 |
| Sunday | 200% | $53.34 | $66.68 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $66.68 | $83.35 |
| Overtime Mon–Fri (first 2 hours) | 150% | $40.01 | $50.01 |
| Overtime Mon–Fri (after 2 hours) | 200% | $53.34 | $66.68 |
| Afternoon, night or early morning shift (5 consecutive shifts Mon–Fri) | 150% | $40.01 | $50.01 |
| Morning or early afternoon shift (5 consecutive shifts Mon–Fri) | 125% | $33.34 | $41.68 |
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 $26.67 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $33.34 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% ($40.01/hr at Level 1). Saturday (after 2 hours, or any work after 12 noon): 200% ($53.34/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 200% ($53.34/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 250% ($66.68/hr at Level 1). Overtime Mon–Fri (first 2 hours): 150% ($40.01/hr at Level 1). Overtime Mon–Fri (after 2 hours): 200% ($53.34/hr at Level 1). Afternoon, night or early morning shift (5 consecutive shifts Mon–Fri): 150% ($40.01/hr at Level 1). Morning or early afternoon shift (5 consecutive shifts Mon–Fri): 125% ($33.34/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 12 classification levels, ranging from CW/ECW 1 (a) at $26.67/hr to ECW 9 at $34.46/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 check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.