Plumber Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Plumbers earn at least $31.63/hr (PW4), $39.54/hr casual — about $1,202 a week full-time — under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020. Every classification level, penalty rates below.
Plumber Pay Rate
Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036)
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in buildings and infrastructure. A trade licence is required.
$31.63
Base rate/hr
$39.54
Casual rate/hr
$31.63
$39.54
$1,201.94
$62,500.88
What Award Covers Plumbers?
Plumbers in Australia are generally covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036). 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 plumbers 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).
Plumber Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW3 | Plumbing worker (general) | $29.26 | $36.58 | $1,111.88 | $57,817.76 |
| PW4 | Plumber (tradesperson) | $31.63 | $39.54 | $1,201.94 | $62,500.88 |
| PW5 | Advanced tradesperson | $35.24 | $44.05 | $1,339.12 | $69,634.24 |
Casual Plumber Pay Rate
Casual plumbers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $31.63/hr to $39.54/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 plumber working 38 hours per week would earn $78,131.04 (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 Plumber Pay Rate
Part-time plumbers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($31.63/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.
Plumber Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when plumbers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for PW4 permanent employees ($31.63/hr base).
$47.45/hr
$63.26/hr
$79.08/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Plumber?
Qualified plumbers should be classified at PW4 or above. If you hold a trade qualification and are being paid below this level, you may be underpaid.
If you earn less than $31.63/hr as a full-time or part-time plumber, or less than $39.54/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $31.63/hr | $39.54/hr | $62,500.88 | MA000036 |
| Retail Worker | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $54,952.56 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $52,245.44 | MA000009 |
| Waiter | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $52,245.44 | MA000009 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
More on the Plumbing Award
Plumbing Award (MA000036) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in plumbing
- Australian Hot Taps Pty Ltd and CEPU – Plumbing Division (Vic) Plumbing Enterprise Agreement 2024 – 2027
- Protect Fire Pty Ltd and CEPU – Plumbing Division (Vic) Fire Protection Enterprise Agreement 2024 – 2027
- IJBuild Holdings Pty Ltd and CEPU – Plumbing Division (Vic) Plumbing Enterprise Agreement 2024 – 2027
- O.P. INDUSTRIES PTY LTD PLUMBING MECHANICAL SERVICES ON SITE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2025
- Premier HVAC Pty Ltd and CEPU Plumbing Division Mechanical Union Collective Agreement 2023 – 2026
- True Blue Installations Pty Ltd and CEPU - Plumbing Division NSW Branch Mechanical (Sheetmetal) Enterprise Agreement 2025-2028
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a plumber in Australia is $31.63/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $39.54/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers 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 plumber?
Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036), the minimum wage for a plumber starts at $31.63/hr (PW4 adult rate). This equates to $1,201.94/week or $62,500.88/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers plumbers?
Plumbers in Australia are generally covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some plumbers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a plumber?
A casual plumber receives $39.54/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $31.63/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a plumber?
Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020, plumbers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($47.45/hr), Sunday 2x ($63.26/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($79.08/hr) at PW4 rates.
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