Factory Worker Saturday Pay Rate 2026
How much does a factory worker earn on saturday? 1.5x penalty rate under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A factory worker working on saturday earns $37.10/hr (50% above the base rate of $24.73/hr).
Based on the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010), Level 1 adult rate, effective 1 July 2025.
Base Rate vs Saturday Penalty Rate
Weekday Base Rate
$24.73/hr
1.0x (no penalty)
Saturday Penalty Rate
$37.10/hr
1.5x (+50%)
Casual Saturday Rate
Casual factory workers receive their casual-loaded rate ($30.91/hr, which includes 25% casual loading) multiplied by the saturday penalty rate of 1.5x.
How the Penalty Rate Is Calculated
Start with the base hourly rate: $24.73/hr
Multiply by the saturday penalty rate: 1.5x
$24.73 x 1.5 = $37.10/hr
What the Award Says About Saturday Work
Under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, full-time and part-time employees working on a Saturday are entitled to 1.5x their base rate. Casual employees receive the penalty rate applied to their casual-loaded rate. Saturday penalty rates recognise the social and personal sacrifice of working on the weekend.
Source: Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010). Rates effective from 1 July 2025 following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review.
Weekly Earnings Example
If you work 8 hours on saturday, you earn $296.76 instead of $197.84 on a weekday — that's $98.92 extra.
Weekday (8hrs)
$197.84
Saturday (8hrs)
$296.76
Extra Earned
+$98.92
All Penalty Rates for Factory Workers
| Day / Time | Multiplier | Full-Time Rate | Casual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday (base) | 1.0x | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr |
| Saturday | 1.5x | $37.10/hr | $46.37/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $49.46/hr | $61.82/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $61.83/hr | $77.28/hr |
| Christmas Day | 2.5x | $61.83/hr | $77.28/hr |
| Evening | 1.15x | $28.44/hr | $35.55/hr |
| Early Morning | 1.3x | $32.15/hr | $40.18/hr |
Am I Getting the Right Penalty Rate?
Use our Penalty Rate Calculator to check your exact rate based on your award, classification level, and employment type.
Open Penalty Rate CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a factory worker earn on saturday?
A factory worker working on saturday earns $37.10 per hour under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020. This is 1.5x the base rate of $24.73/hr, which is 50% more than the ordinary weekday rate. Casual factory workers earn $46.37/hr (1.5x their casual rate of $30.91/hr).
What is the saturday penalty rate for factory workers?
The saturday penalty rate for factory workers is 1.5x the base hourly rate under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (MA000010). For a Level 1 factory worker, this means $37.10/hr instead of $24.73/hr. The penalty rate compensates employees for working during unsociable hours.
Do casuals get penalty rates on saturday?
Yes. Casual factory workers receive penalty rates on saturday. The 1.5x penalty multiplier is applied to the casual rate of $30.91/hr (which already includes 25% casual loading), giving a total of $46.37/hr. Casual employees receive both their loading and the penalty rate.
Can my employer make me work on saturday?
Your employer can roster you to work on saturday as part of your ordinary hours or as overtime, provided it aligns with the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 and your employment contract. However, you must be paid the correct penalty rate of 1.5x your base rate ($37.10/hr). If you believe your roster is unreasonable, you can raise this with your employer or contact Fair Work.
Other Saturday Penalty Rates
Factory Worker — Other Penalty Rates
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
What are your weekend and public holiday penalty rates? Lookup by award — retail, hospitality, fast food & more. Free calculator shows exactly what you should earn per hour.
Overtime & Penalty Rates Explained: Weekend, Night & Public Holiday Pay 2026A comprehensive guide to overtime and penalty rates in Australia for 2026. Covers weekend rates, night shift penalties, public holiday pay (2.5x), how to check your award, and common issues with overtime across retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Time and a Half Calculator: What's Your Penalty Rate? (2026 Australia)Calculate time and a half, double time, and other penalty rates on your base pay. Quick reference by award. Free instant calculator for Australian workers.