Plumbing Award Pay Rates 2025-26
All pay rates under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000053) for 2025-26, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and break rules.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Plumbing Award
MA000053 · Plumbing
Common roles: Plumber, Gasfitter, Plumbing apprentice, Drainer, Fire sprinkler fitter
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Classification Pay Rates — Plumbing Award
| Level | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $24.10 | $30.13 | $915.80 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | $25.41 | $31.76 | $965.58 | $50,210.16 |
| Level 3 | $27.10 | $33.88 | $1,029.80 | $53,549.60 |
| Level 4 | $28.81 | $36.01 | $1,094.78 | $56,928.56 |
| Level 5 | $30.63 | $38.29 | $1,163.94 | $60,524.88 |
Penalty Rates — Plumbing Award
Saturday (first 2 hours)
$36.15/hr
1.5x base
Saturday (after 2 hours)
$48.20/hr
2x base
Sunday
$48.20/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$60.25/hr
2.5x base
Overtime (first 2 hours)
$36.15/hr
1.5x base
Overtime (after 2 hours)
$48.20/hr
2x base
Rates shown for Level 1 ($24.10/hr base).View full penalty rate table →
Break Rules — Plumbing Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | None | None | No |
| 5–8 hours | 30 min | None | No |
| 8–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
Calculate Your Exact Rate
Select your classification level and penalty type below.
Compare with Related Awards
| Award | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Award | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $48.20/hr | $60.25/hr |
| Hospitality Award | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr | $54.23/hr |
| Retail Award | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr | $60.25/hr |
| Clerks Award | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $48.20/hr | $60.25/hr |
| Building Award | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $48.20/hr | $60.25/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Plumbing Award pay rate for 2025-26?
Under the Plumbing Award (MA000053), the Level 1 base rate is $24.10/hr from 1 July 2025. The casual rate (including 25% loading) is $30.13/hr. Higher classification levels receive progressively higher rates.
What is the Sunday rate under the Plumbing Award?
Permanent employees under the Plumbing Award receive 2x their base rate for Sunday work. For a Level 1 employee, that's $48.20/hr on Sundays.
What is the public holiday rate under the Plumbing Award?
Public holiday work under the Plumbing Award is paid at 2.5x the base rate. For Level 1, that's $60.25/hr.
Who is covered by the Plumbing Award?
The Plumbing Award covers employees in the plumbing industry. Common job titles include Plumber, Gasfitter, Plumbing apprentice, Drainer, Fire sprinkler fitter, Roof plumber.
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.
Learn more
Apprentice pay rates depend on your year of apprenticeship, age, and trade. See 2025-26 rates for electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive, and chef apprenticeships. Includes adult apprentice rates, tool allowances, and competency-based progression.
Salary to Hourly Rate Australia: How to Convert (2026 Calculator)Convert any annual salary to an hourly rate in Australia. Quick reference table for $30K–$200K salaries. Based on 38-hour standard work week. Free instant calculator.
Junior Pay Rates in Australia: What Workers Under 21 Must Be Paid (2026)Junior employees under 21 are paid a percentage of the adult minimum wage ($24.10/hr). See the exact rates by age (16-20), how awards set different percentages, when casual loading applies on top, and what happens when you turn 21.