Meat Processing Pay Rates 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for meat processing workers in Australia under the Meat Industry Award: $25.74/hr at Level 1, $32.18/hr casual, every classification level, penalty rates. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Meat Processing Minimum Pay Rate
Meat Industry Award 2020 (MA000059)
$25.74
Base rate/hr
$32.18
Casual rate/hr
The minimum pay rate for meat processing workers is $25.74/hr under the Meat Industry Award. Casuals receive $32.18/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2026.
Abattoir workers, boners, slicers, and meat processing staff are covered by the Meat Industry Award. This includes work in slaughterhouses, boning rooms, and smallgoods manufacturing. The work is physically demanding with specific allowances for cold work and unpleasant conditions.
Meat Processing Classification Rates
| Level | Classification | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Meat Industry Level 1 | $25.74 | $32.18 | $50,862.24 |
| Level 2 | Meat Industry Level 2 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| Level 3 | Meat Industry Level 3 | $26.60 | $33.25 | $52,561.60 |
| Level 4 | Meat Industry Level 4 | $27.23 | $34.04 | $53,806.48 |
| Level 5 | Meat Industry Level 5 | $27.71 | $34.64 | $54,754.96 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Meat Industry Award 2020. Casual rates include 25% loading.
Casual Meat Processing 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $25.74 | +$6.44 | $32.18 |
| Level 2 | $26.44 | +$6.61 | $33.05 |
| Level 3 | $26.60 | +$6.65 | $33.25 |
| Level 4 | $27.23 | +$6.81 | $34.04 |
| Level 5 | $27.71 | +$6.93 | $34.64 |
Meat Processing Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $25.74/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday
$38.61/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$51.48/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$64.35/hr
2.5x base
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 1.5x | $38.61/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $51.48/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $64.35/hr |
| Afternoon Shift | 1.15x | $29.60/hr |
| Night Shift | 1.3x | $33.46/hr |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 1.5x | $38.61/hr |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 2x | $51.48/hr |
Full Meat Industry Award Details
View the complete Meat Industry Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
View Full Meat Industry Award Pay Rates →Getting Paid Less Than This?
If your payslip shows less than $25.74/hr (or $32.18/hr casual), you might be getting underpaid. It happens more than you'd think in meat processing. Use our underpaid checker to calculate what you're actually owed.
Check If You're Underpaid →Pay Rates by Industry
Meat Processing Pay Rates FAQ
What is the minimum pay rate for meat processing workers in 2026?
The minimum base rate for meat industry workers is $25.74/hr (Level 1) under the Meat Industry Award. Casual workers receive $32.18/hr. Skilled boners and slicers at Level 4 earn $27.23/hr base.
Do meat processing workers get cold work allowances?
Yes. Workers in cold rooms (0°C to -5°C) and freezers (below -5°C) receive a cold work disability allowance. Workers in extreme cold environments also have entitlements to paid rest breaks and protective clothing provided by the employer.
What penalty rates apply in the meat industry?
Saturday pays 1.5x, Sunday pays 2.0x, and public holidays pay 2.5x your base rate. Overtime is 1.5x for the first 2 hours and 2.0x after that. Early morning starts before 6am also attract penalty loadings.
Is the meat industry known for underpayment?
The meat industry has been targeted by the Fair Work Ombudsman for widespread underpayment, particularly involving migrant workers on visas. Issues include incorrect classification, unpaid overtime, and illegal deductions for accommodation. If something looks wrong, it probably is.
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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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