Plumbing Award Pay Rates 2026-27
All pay rates under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020 (MA000036) for 2026-27, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and break rules.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Plumbing Award
MA000036 · Plumbing
Common roles: Plumber, Gasfitter, Plumbing apprentice, Drainer, Fire sprinkler fitter
$27.97
Base rate/hr
$34.96
Casual rate/hr
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Classification Pay Rates — Plumbing Award
| Level | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1,062.86 | $55,268.72 |
| Level 2 | $28.49 | $35.61 | $1,082.62 | $56,296.24 |
| Level 3 | $28.85 | $36.06 | $1,096.30 | $57,007.60 |
| Level 4 | $29.26 | $36.58 | $1,111.88 | $57,817.76 |
| Level 5 | $31.63 | $39.54 | $1,201.94 | $62,500.88 |
Penalty Rates — Plumbing Award
Saturday (first 2 hours)
$41.96/hr
1.5x base
Saturday (after 2 hours)
$55.94/hr
2x base
Sunday
$55.94/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$69.93/hr
2.5x base
Overtime (first 2 hours)
$41.96/hr
1.5x base
Overtime (after 2 hours)
$55.94/hr
2x base
Rates shown for Level 1 ($27.97/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
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Compare with Related Awards
| Award | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Award | $27.97/hr | $34.96/hr | $55.94/hr | $69.93/hr |
| Hospitality Award | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $39.66/hr | $59.49/hr |
| Retail Award | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $41.71/hr | $69.52/hr |
| Clerks Award | $26.97/hr | $33.71/hr | $53.94/hr | $67.43/hr |
| Building Award | $26.67/hr | $33.34/hr | $53.34/hr | $66.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Plumbing Award pay rate for 2026-27?
Under the Plumbing Award (MA000036), the Level 1 base rate is $27.97/hr from 1 July 2026. The casual rate (including 25% loading) is $34.96/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 $55.94/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 $69.93/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.
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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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