Butcher Pay Rate TAS 2026-27
Butchers in Tasmania earn at least $27.23/hr (Level 4), $34.04/hr casual — about $1,035 a week full-time — under the Meat Industry Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Butcher — Minimum Pay Rate (TAS)
Meat Industry Award 2020 (MA000059)
$27.23
Base rate/hr
$34.04
Casual rate/hr
Butchers prepare, cut, and sell meat products. They work in retail butcher shops, supermarkets, and meat processing facilities.
Know someone on butcher pay?
Tasmania Note
Tasmania has specific public holidays that may differ from other states, affecting your penalty rate entitlements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Butcher
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.23/hr | $1,034.74 | $53,806.48 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.23/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $34.04/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Meat Industry Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Butcher
Saturday
$34.04/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$40.85/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$68.08/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 4 ($27.23/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Rates shown are for meat retail establishments (butcher shops) under the Meat Industry Award: Saturday 125% for ordinary hours between 4am and 6pm, Sunday 150% between 8am and 6pm (cl 24.3). On a public holiday other than Christmas Day, Anzac Day and Good Friday, full-time and part-time employees get 250% for the first 2 hours and 300% after that; casuals get 150% then 200% (cl 31.3). Meat processing and manufacturing establishments have different weekend rules.
Classification Levels — Meat Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Meat packer / process worker | $26.60 | $33.25 | $52,561.60 |
| Level 4 | Qualified butcher / meat cutter | $27.23 | $34.04 | $53,806.48 |
| Level 5 | Senior butcher / smallgoods maker | $27.71 | $34.64 | $54,754.96 |
| Level 6 | Head butcher / department manager | $28.28 | $35.35 | $55,881.28 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Butcher?
Butchers frequently start work very early for deliveries and preparation. Common issues include not receiving early morning penalty rates and unpaid time spent cleaning up after trading hours.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →More on the Meat Industry Award
Meat Industry Award (MA000059) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in meat processing
- Challenge Meats Pty Ltd trading as Challenge Foods and the Australasian Meat Industry Employees' Union Collective Agreement 2025
- Retail Ready Operations Meat Processing Agreement 2026
- M.C Herd Pty Ltd and the Australasian Meat Industry Employees' Union Collective Agreement 2025
- Big River Pork and AMIEU Meat Processing Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Northern Co-Operative Meat Company Ltd Maintenance and Services Enterprise Agreement 2025
- H.W Greenham & Son Pty Ltd Meat Processing Enterprise Agreement Tongala 2024.
Recently approved agreements from the Fair Work Commission register in this industry. Check the agreement itself for the award it sits on.
Employer pay guides under the Meat Industry Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a butcher get paid per hour in Tasmania?
The minimum hourly rate for a butcher in Tasmania is $27.23/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $34.04/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 4 adult rate under the Meat Industry Award 2020 (MA000059), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a butcher?
The minimum wage for a butcher is $27.23 per hour ($1,034.74 per week for a 38-hour week, or $53,806.48 per year). This is set by the Meat Industry Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers butchers?
Butchers are covered by the Meat Industry Award 2020 (MA000059). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do butchers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Meat Industry Award 2020, butchers receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($34.04/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($40.85/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($68.08/hr).
What is the casual rate for a butcher?
The casual rate for a butcher is $34.04/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.23/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old butcher get paid?
Qualified butchers hold trade certificates. Apprentice rates apply during training, not junior rates. The Meat Industry Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
Useful Tools
Browse All Job Pay Rates
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Renews monthly at A$29.99 until you cancel. By continuing you agree to our Terms.
Just need this week sorted? A 7-Day Pass is 50 questions over 7 days, no account. Get a 7-Day Pass — $14.99
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Embed the Butcher Pay Rate TAS 2026-27 on your site, free. Get the code →