Plumber Pay Rate NSW 2026-27
Plumbers in New South Wales earn at least $31.63/hr (PW3), $39.54/hr casual — about $1,202 a week full-time — under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Plumber — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036)
$31.63
Base rate/hr
$39.54
Casual rate/hr
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in buildings and infrastructure. A trade licence is required.
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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 — Plumber
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $31.63/hr | $1,201.94 | $62,500.88 |
| Part-time (adult) | $31.63/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $39.54/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Plumber
Saturday
$47.45/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$63.26/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$79.08/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time PW3 ($31.63/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW3 | Plumbing worker (general) | $29.26 | $36.58 | $57,817.76 |
| PW4 | Plumber (tradesperson) | $31.63 | $39.54 | $62,500.88 |
| PW5 | Advanced tradesperson | $35.24 | $44.05 | $69,634.24 |
View full Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 pay rates →
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 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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a plumber in New South Wales is $31.63/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $39.54/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the PW3 adult rate under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a plumber?
The minimum wage for a plumber is $31.63 per hour ($1,201.94 per week for a 38-hour week, or $62,500.88 per year). This is set by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers plumbers?
Plumbers are covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036). 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 plumbers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020, plumbers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($47.45/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($63.26/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($79.08/hr).
What is the casual rate for a plumber?
The casual rate for a plumber is $39.54/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $31.63/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old plumber get paid?
Apprentice rates apply during the apprenticeship. Qualified plumbers receive the full tradesperson rate. The Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers 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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