Factory Worker Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Factory Workers in Australia earn at least $26.44/hr (C13), $33.05/hr casual — about $1,005 a week full-time — under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Factory Worker — Minimum Pay Rate
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010)
$26.44
Base rate/hr
$33.05
Casual rate/hr
Factory workers operate machinery, assemble products, perform quality control checks, and maintain production lines in manufacturing facilities.
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Minimum Hourly Rates — Factory Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $26.44/hr | $1,004.72 | $52,245.44 |
| Part-time (adult) | $26.44/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.05/hr | Varies | Varies |
Junior Rates by Age — Factory Worker
Junior rates: Under 16: 50%. 16 years: 60%. 17 years: 70%. 18 years: 80%. 19 years: 90%. 20 years: 100% of the adult rate.
Penalty Rates — Factory Worker
$39.66/hr
$52.88/hr
$66.10/hr
Classification Levels — Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C14 | Production worker (entry) | $25.74 | $32.18 | $50,862.24 |
| C13 | Process worker (experienced) | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| C12 | Machine operator | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
| C10 | Tradesperson (qualified) | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| C8 | Advanced tradesperson | $31.30 | $39.13 | $61,848.80 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Factory Worker?
Factory workers on rotating shifts (morning, afternoon, night) should receive shift loadings in addition to their base rate. Check your payslip includes the correct shift penalties.
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 →Factory Worker Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
More on the Manufacturing Award
Manufacturing Award (MA000010) 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 manufacturing
- TK Elevator Australia ACT Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Mondelez Australia Pty Ltd Ringwood & Scoresby Confectioners Agreement 2026
- AA Gaskets Pty Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Blue Star Pacific Pty Ltd (Tasmania Division) Enterprise Agreement 2025-2028
- Tronics (a division of Aldus Pty Limited) Collective Bargaining Workshop Agreement 2026
- The Sanitarium Health Food Company – Berkeley Vale Production Enterprise Agreement 2026
Employer pay guides under the Manufacturing Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a factory worker get paid per hour in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a factory worker in Australia is $26.44/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.05/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the C13 adult rate under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a factory worker?
The minimum wage for a factory worker is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.72 per week for a 38-hour week, or $52,245.44 per year). This is set by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers factory workers?
Factory Workers are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010). 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 factory workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, factory workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($39.66/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($52.88/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($66.10/hr).
What is the casual rate for a factory worker?
The casual rate for a factory worker is $33.05/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $26.44/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old factory worker get paid?
Junior rates: Under 16: 50%. 16 years: 60%. 17 years: 70%. 18 years: 80%. 19 years: 90%. 20 years: 100% of the adult rate. The FWC pay database does not publish this award's junior schedule as separate rows, so check the junior rates clause of the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 for the exact figure.
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