Horticulture Award Penalty Rates
All penalty rates under the Horticulture Award (MA000028) for 2025-26, including weekends, public holidays, evening, and overtime.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Horticulture Award — Key Rates at a Glance
Public holiday
$51.48/hr
2x base
Afternoon shift - Monday to Friday
$29.60/hr
1.15x base
Night shift - Monday to Friday
$29.60/hr
1.15x base
Rates shown for Level 1 ($25.74/hr base). See full table below for all levels.
Full Penalty Rate Table — Horticulture Award
| Level | Base Rate | Public holiday 2x | Afternoon shift - Monday to Friday 1.15x | Night shift - Monday to Friday 1.15x |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $25.74/hr | $51.48/hr | $29.60/hr | $29.60/hr |
| Level 2 | $26.44/hr | $52.88/hr | $30.41/hr | $30.41/hr |
| Level 3 | $26.84/hr | $53.68/hr | $30.87/hr | $30.87/hr |
| Level 4 | $27.81/hr | $55.62/hr | $31.98/hr | $31.98/hr |
| Level 5 | $29.45/hr | $58.90/hr | $33.87/hr | $33.87/hr |
Compare Penalty Rates Across Awards (Level 1)
| Award | Base Rate | Sunday | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horticulture Award | $25.74/hr | — | $51.48/hr (2x) |
| Hospitality Award | $26.44/hr | $39.66/hr (1.5x) | $59.49/hr (2.25x) |
| Retail Award | $27.81/hr | $41.71/hr (1.5x) | $69.52/hr (2.5x) |
| Clerks Award | $26.97/hr | $53.94/hr (2x) | $67.43/hr (2.5x) |
| Building Award | $26.67/hr | $53.34/hr (2x) | $66.68/hr (2.5x) |
Calculate Your Exact Penalty Rate
Select your classification level and penalty type below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalty rates under the Horticulture Award?
The Horticulture Award (MA000028) provides penalty rates for Public holiday, Afternoon shift - Monday to Friday, Night shift - Monday to Friday. Rates range from 1.15x to 2x of the base hourly rate.
What is the Sunday penalty rate for horticulture workers?
The Horticulture Award does not specify a separate Sunday penalty rate.
What is the public holiday rate under the Horticulture Award?
Public holiday work under the Horticulture Award is paid at 2x the base rate. For Level 1, that's $51.48/hr.
Who is covered by the Horticulture Award?
The Horticulture Award covers employees in the horticulture industry. Common job titles include Farm hand, Fruit picker, Packer, Orchard worker, Nursery hand, Irrigation operator.
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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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