Painter Pay Rate NSW 2026-27
Painters in New South Wales earn at least $29.45/hr (CW/ECW 3), $36.81/hr casual — about $1,119 a week full-time — under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Painter — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020)
$29.45
Base rate/hr
$36.81
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.
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New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Painter
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | $1,119.10 | $58,193.20 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.81/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Painter
Saturday
$44.18/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.90/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.63/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time CW/ECW 3 ($29.45/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 / decorator (trade-qualified) | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| CW/ECW 4 | Tradesperson with additional structured training | $30.38 | $37.98 | $60,030.88 |
| CW/ECW 5 | Special class tradesperson | $31.31 | $39.14 | $61,868.56 |
Building and Construction General On-site Award MA000020 cl 19.1(a), rates from 1 July 2026. A trade painter is classified at CW/ECW 3; a painter brush hand is CW/ECW 1 ($26.67–$28.05/hr) (Schedule A.2.1, A.2.3). Penalty and overtime rates are paid on the ordinary hourly rate, which adds the industry allowance (cl 2, cl 22).
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 | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr | $58.90/hr |
| Site Supervisor | $31.31/hr | $39.14/hr | $62.62/hr |
| Concreter | $29.45/hr | $36.81/hr | $58.90/hr |
More on the Building Award
Building Award (MA000020) 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 construction
- Terrex Group Field Crew Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Complex Facade Install Pty Ltd / CFMEU South Australia Greenfields Agreement 2026
- Civilmart Mittagong Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Built Ptd Ltd / CFMEU South Australia Enterprise Agreement 2026
- BESIX Watpac / CFMEU South Australia Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Boyle Civil Contracting Perdaman Ceres Project Greenfields Agreement 2024
Recently approved agreements from the Fair Work Commission register in this industry. Check the agreement itself for the award it sits on.
Employer pay guides under the Building Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a painter get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a painter in New South Wales is $29.45/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.81/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the CW/ECW 3 adult rate under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a painter?
The minimum wage for a painter is $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,193.20 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 ($44.18/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.90/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($73.63/hr).
What is the casual rate for a painter?
The casual rate for a painter is $36.81/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.45/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 check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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