Factory Worker Pay Rate in ACT 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for factory workers in Australian Capital Territory under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Factory Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010)
$24.73
Base rate/hr
$30.91
Casual rate/hr
Factory workers operate machinery, assemble products, perform quality control checks, and maintain production lines in manufacturing facilities.
Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Factory Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | $939.74 | $48,866.48 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.91/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020.
Junior Rates — 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.
| Age | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.89/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.37/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.84/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $17.31/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.78/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $22.26/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.73/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 for precise rates.
Penalty Rates — Factory Worker
Saturday
$37.10/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$49.46/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$61.83/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.73/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C14 | Production worker (entry) | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| C13 | Process worker (experienced) | $24.73 | $30.91 | $48,866.48 |
| C12 | Machine operator | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| C10 | Tradesperson (qualified) | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| C8 | Advanced tradesperson | $29.71 | $37.14 | $58,706.96 |
View full Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 pay rates →
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a factory worker get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a factory worker in Australian Capital Territory is $24.73/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.91/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a factory worker?
The minimum wage for a factory worker is $24.73 per hour ($939.74 per week for a 38-hour week, or $48,866.48 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 ($37.10/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($49.46/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($61.83/hr).
What is the casual rate for a factory worker?
The casual rate for a factory worker is $30.91/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.73/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. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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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.
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