Minimum pay rates for plumbing workers in Australia under the Plumbing Award. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036)
$27.97
Base rate/hr
$34.96
Casual rate/hr
The minimum pay rate for plumbing workers is $27.97/hr under the Plumbing Award. Casuals receive $34.96/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2026.
Plumbers, gasfitters, drainers, and roofing plumbers are covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award. Whether you're doing residential maintenance, commercial fitouts, or fire protection work, the award sets minimum pay rates based on your qualifications and experience.
| Level | Classification | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Plumbing Employee Level 1 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,268.72 |
| Level 2 | Plumbing Employee Level 2 | $28.49 | $35.61 | $56,296.24 |
| Level 3 | Plumbing Employee Level 3 | $28.85 | $36.06 | $57,007.60 |
| Level 4 | Plumbing Employee Level 4 | $29.26 | $36.58 | $57,817.76 |
| Level 5 | Plumbing Employee Level 5 | $31.63 | $39.54 | $62,500.88 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020. Casual rates include 25% loading.
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 | $27.97 | +$6.99 | $34.96 |
| Level 2 | $28.49 | +$7.12 | $35.61 |
| Level 3 | $28.85 | +$7.21 | $36.06 |
| Level 4 | $29.26 | +$7.32 | $36.58 |
| Level 5 | $31.63 | +$7.91 | $39.54 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $27.97/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday (first 2 hours)
$41.96/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$55.94/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$69.93/hr
2.5x base
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday (first 2 hours) | 1.5x | $41.96/hr |
| Saturday (after 2 hours) | 2x | $55.94/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $55.94/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $69.93/hr |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 1.5x | $41.96/hr |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 2x | $55.94/hr |
View the complete Plumbing Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
View Full Plumbing Award Pay Rates →If your payslip shows less than $27.97/hr (or $34.96/hr casual), you might be getting underpaid. It happens more than you'd think in plumbing. Use our underpaid checker to calculate what you're actually owed.
Check If You're Underpaid →Real Fair Work decisions and Federal Court penalties in this industry.
A qualified plumber (Level 4) earns a minimum of $29.26/hr base under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award. Casual plumbers receive $36.58/hr. Entry-level workers (Level 1) start at $27.97/hr.
Yes. Emergency call-outs outside normal hours are paid at overtime rates — 1.5x for the first 2 hours and 2.0x after that. A minimum payment of 2 hours applies for each call-out, even if the job takes less time.
Plumbers are entitled to tool allowances, industry allowances, and in some cases registration allowances. Workers on multi-storey buildings or in confined spaces may also get additional height or conditions allowances.
Plumbing apprentice rates are a percentage of the qualified tradesperson rate. First-year apprentices earn about 55% of the full rate, second-year 65%, third-year 80%, and fourth-year 95%. Adult apprentices get higher percentages.
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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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