Mechanic Pay Rate Australia 2026
Minimum pay rates for mechanics under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and classification levels.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Mechanic Pay Rate
Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (MA000089)
Mechanics inspect, diagnose, repair, and service motor vehicles including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
$29.47
Base rate/hr
$36.84
Casual rate/hr
Hourly (Full-Time)
$29.47
Hourly (Casual)
$36.84
Weekly (38hrs)
$1,119.86
Annual (Full-Time)
$58,232.72
What Award Covers Mechanics?
Mechanics in Australia are generally covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (MA000089). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some mechanics may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
View full Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award pay rates →
Mechanic Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Vehicle service worker | $27.14 | $33.93 | $1,031.32 | $53,628.64 |
| Level 4 | Mechanic (tradesperson) | $29.47 | $36.84 | $1,119.86 | $58,232.72 |
| Level 5 | Advanced tradesperson | $30.78 | $38.48 | $1,169.64 | $60,821.28 |
| Level 6 | Leading hand / diagnostic specialist | $32.25 | $40.31 | $1,225.50 | $63,726.00 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Casual Mechanic Pay Rate
Casual mechanics receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $29.47/hr to $36.84/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual mechanic working 38 hours per week would earn $72,795.84 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-Time Mechanic Pay Rate
Part-time mechanics receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($29.47/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Mechanic Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when mechanics work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($29.47/hr base).
Saturday
$44.21/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.94/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.68/hr
2.5x base
Casual employees may receive different penalty rate multipliers. Check the full award pay rates for detailed penalty rate tables.
Am I Being Underpaid as a Mechanic?
Mechanics who hold additional certifications (e.g., air conditioning, auto electrical) should check they are classified at the appropriate advanced tradesperson level.
If you earn less than $29.47/hr as a full-time or part-time mechanic, or less than $36.84/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
Compare with Similar Roles
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanic | $29.47/hr | $36.84/hr | $58,232.72 | MA000089 |
| Retail Worker | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
| Waiter | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mechanic get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a mechanic in Australia is $29.47/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $36.84/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
What is the minimum wage for a mechanic?
Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (MA000089), the minimum wage for a mechanic starts at $29.47/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,119.86/week or $58,232.72/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $24.10/hr.
What award covers mechanics?
Mechanics in Australia are generally covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (MA000089). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some mechanics may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a mechanic?
A casual mechanic receives $36.84/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $29.47/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a mechanic?
Under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020, mechanics receive: Saturday 1.5x ($44.21/hr), Sunday 2x ($58.94/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($73.68/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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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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