Construction Pay Rates 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for construction workers in Australia under the Building Award: $26.67/hr at Level 1, $33.34/hr casual, every classification level, penalty rates. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Construction Minimum Pay Rate
Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020)
$26.67
Base rate/hr
$33.34
Casual rate/hr
The minimum pay rate for construction workers is $26.67/hr under the Building Award. Casuals receive $33.34/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2026.
Construction workers are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award. Rates go from general labourers right up to advanced tradespeople. With overtime and Saturday work being standard on most sites, knowing your penalty rates is money in your pocket.
Construction Classification Rates
| Level | Classification | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW/ECW 1 (a) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level a (new entrant) | $26.67 | $33.34 | $52,699.92 |
| CW/ECW 1 (b) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level b (after 3 months in the industry) | $27.20 | $34.00 | $53,747.20 |
| CW/ECW 1 (c) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level c (after 12 months in the industry) | $27.56 | $34.45 | $54,458.56 |
| CW/ECW 1 (d) | Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) — level d (competent construction worker 1) | $28.05 | $35.06 | $55,426.80 |
| CW/ECW 2 | Level 2 (CW/ECW 2) | $28.62 | $35.78 | $56,553.12 |
| CW/ECW 3 | Level 3 (CW/ECW 3) — trade level | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| CW/ECW 4 | Level 4 (CW/ECW 4) | $30.38 | $37.98 | $60,030.88 |
| CW/ECW 5 | Level 5 (CW/ECW 5) | $31.31 | $39.14 | $61,868.56 |
| CW/ECW 6 | Level 6 (CW/ECW 6) | $32.14 | $40.18 | $63,508.64 |
| CW/ECW 7 | Level 7 (CW/ECW 7) | $33.06 | $41.33 | $65,326.56 |
| CW/ECW 8 | Level 8 (CW/ECW 8) | $33.86 | $42.33 | $66,907.36 |
| ECW 9 | Level 9 (ECW 9) | $34.46 | $43.08 | $68,092.96 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Casual rates include 25% loading.
Casual Construction Pay Rates
Casual workers get a 25% loading on top of the base rate. This compensates for no paid leave, no notice period, and no redundancy pay. Here's what that looks like for each level:
| Level | Base Rate | + 25% Loading | Casual Rate/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| CW/ECW 1 (a) | $26.67 | +$6.67 | $33.34 |
| CW/ECW 1 (b) | $27.20 | +$6.80 | $34.00 |
| CW/ECW 1 (c) | $27.56 | +$6.89 | $34.45 |
| CW/ECW 1 (d) | $28.05 | +$7.01 | $35.06 |
| CW/ECW 2 | $28.62 | +$7.16 | $35.78 |
| CW/ECW 3 | $29.45 | +$7.36 | $36.81 |
| CW/ECW 4 | $30.38 | +$7.60 | $37.98 |
| CW/ECW 5 | $31.31 | +$7.83 | $39.14 |
| CW/ECW 6 | $32.14 | +$8.04 | $40.18 |
| CW/ECW 7 | $33.06 | +$8.27 | $41.33 |
| CW/ECW 8 | $33.86 | +$8.47 | $42.33 |
| ECW 9 | $34.46 | +$8.62 | $43.08 |
Construction Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $26.67/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday (first 2 hours)
$40.01/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$53.34/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$66.68/hr
2.5x base
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday (first 2 hours) | 1.5x | $40.01/hr |
| Saturday (after 2 hours, or any work after 12 noon) | 2x | $53.34/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $53.34/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $66.68/hr |
| Overtime Mon–Fri (first 2 hours) | 1.5x | $40.01/hr |
| Overtime Mon–Fri (after 2 hours) | 2x | $53.34/hr |
| Afternoon, night or early morning shift (5 consecutive shifts Mon–Fri) | 1.5x | $40.01/hr |
| Morning or early afternoon shift (5 consecutive shifts Mon–Fri) | 1.25x | $33.34/hr |
Full Building Award Details
View the complete Building Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
View Full Building Award Pay Rates →Getting Paid Less Than This?
If your payslip shows less than $26.67/hr (or $33.34/hr casual), you might be getting underpaid. It happens more than you'd think in construction. Use our underpaid checker to calculate what you're actually owed.
Check If You're Underpaid →Pay Rates by Industry
Construction enforcement cases
Real Fair Work decisions and Federal Court penalties in this industry.
B.M.D. Constructions Pty Ltd v Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (No 4)
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union v GC Crane Hire Pty Ltd as Trustee for GA Caelli Discretionary Trust
Penalty $5,084
the Applicant v Beiler Constructions Pty Ltd as trustee for Fox Trading Trust
the Applicant v Karimbla Constructions Services (NSW) Pty Ltd
Construction Pay Rates FAQ
What is the minimum pay rate for construction workers in 2026?
The minimum base rate for construction workers is $26.67/hr (CW1) under the Building and Construction Award. Qualified tradespeople at CW5 earn $31.05/hr. Advanced tradespeople at CW8 earn $35.90/hr.
Do construction workers get penalty rates on Saturdays?
Yes. The first 2 hours on Saturday are 1.5x ($40.01/hr for CW1), and anything after that is double time (2.0x). Sunday is double time all day. Public holidays pay 2.5x.
What is a CW level in construction?
CW stands for Construction Worker. CW1 is an entry-level labourer. CW3 is a tradesperson (e.g. carpenter, bricklayer). CW5+ covers advanced trades and supervisory roles. Your level determines your minimum pay rate.
Are construction workers entitled to a tool allowance?
Many construction classifications attract allowances for tools, travel, and special conditions (heights, confined spaces, etc.). These are on top of your base rate. Check the Building Award for specifics.
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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.
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