Painter Pay Rate in ACT 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for painters in Australian Capital Territory under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Painter — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020)
$28.54
Base rate/hr
$35.68
Casual rate/hr
Painters prepare surfaces and apply paint, stain, and protective coatings to buildings and structures. They work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Painter
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $28.54/hr | $1,084.52 | $56,395.04 |
| Part-time (adult) | $28.54/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $35.68/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Painter
Saturday
$42.81/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$57.08/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$71.35/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($28.54/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW/ECW 3 | Painter's labourer / assistant | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| CW/ECW 4 | Qualified painter / decorator | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| CW/ECW 5 | Advanced painter / specialist finisher | $29.71 | $37.14 | $58,706.96 |
View full Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Painter?
Painters in the construction industry are often engaged as sham contractors. Employees are entitled to award rates, leave, and superannuation that contractors miss out on.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $29.47/hr | $36.84/hr | $58.94/hr |
| Site Supervisor | $29.71/hr | $37.14/hr | $59.42/hr |
| Concreter | $28.54/hr | $35.68/hr | $57.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a painter get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a painter in Australian Capital Territory is $28.54/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $35.68/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a painter?
The minimum wage for a painter is $28.54 per hour ($1,084.52 per week for a 38-hour week, or $56,395.04 per year). This is set by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers painters?
Painters are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do painters get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, painters receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($42.81/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($57.08/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.35/hr).
What is the casual rate for a painter?
The casual rate for a painter is $35.68/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $28.54/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old painter get paid?
Painters are skilled tradespeople. Apprentice rates apply during training, not junior rates. The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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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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