Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award pay rates
Award code MA000048, with rates in force from 1 July 2026.
Minimum pay for 38 adult classifications under the Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award 2020, from 1 July 2026: $25.74 to $37.99 an hour before tax. Casuals get a 25% loading on top.
Lowest adult rate
$25.74an hour
For Aircraft Worker 1. $978.10 for a full-time week. Up 6.01% from $24.28. Casuals get $32.18 an hour, with the 25% loading.
Its lowest adult rate is $25.74 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 71 have a higher minimum. The dashed line is the minimum wage; each tick is another award.
Pay by classification
Dollars an hour, from 1 July 2026- Level 1$27.38
- Level 2$27.50
- Level 3$27.96
- Level 4$28.73
- Level 5$30.03
- Level 6$30.82
- Level 7$31.03
- Level 8$32.35
- Level 1$28.24
- Level 2$29.45
- Level 3$31.11
- Level 4$32.67
- Level 5$33.99
- Level 6$35.33
- Level 7$36.67
- Level 8$37.99
- Aircraft Worker 1$25.74
- Aircraft Worker 2$26.44
- Aircraft Worker 3$27.08
- Aircraft Worker 4$27.97
- Tradesperson$29.45
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer$32.13
- Transitional Category B1.2 Licence Holder$32.89
- Transitional Category B1.4 Licence Holder$32.89
- Full Category B1.1 Licence Holder$34.46
- Full Category B1.2 Licence Holder$34.46
- Full Category B1.3 Licence Holder$34.46
- Full Category B1.4 Licence Holder$34.46
- Full Category B1/B2 Licence Holder$34.46
- Full Category B2 Licence Holder$34.46
- Transitional Category B1.1 Licence Holder$34.46
- Transitional Category B1.3 Licence Holder$34.46
- Transitional Category B2 Licence Holder$34.46
- Level 1$26.96
- Level 2$27.54
- Level 3$28.23
- Level 4$29.11
- Level 5$30.17
Hover or tap a row for last year's rate. Every rate, in every unit, is in the tables below.
Penalty rates at a glance
Percent of the ordinary rate, and dollars an hour at Aircraft Worker 1.
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 | 125%$32.18 |
| Saturday | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Sunday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$64.35 | 275%$70.79 |
Minimum pay by classification from 1 July 2026
Weekly rates are for a full-time week; hourly rates apply to full-time and part-time hours. Casual hourly adds the 25% loading.
Aviation transport workers streamClause 18.1
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,040.60 | $27.38 | $34.23 |
| Level 2 | $1,044.90 | $27.50 | $34.38 |
| Level 3 | $1,062.50 | $27.96 | $34.95 |
| Level 4 | $1,091.80 | $28.73 | $35.91 |
| Level 5 | $1,141.10 | $30.03 | $37.54 |
| Level 6 | $1,171.10 | $30.82 | $38.53 |
| Level 7 | $1,179.00 | $31.03 | $38.79 |
| Level 8 | $1,229.20 | $32.35 | $40.44 |
Clerical, administration and support streamClause 18.2
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,073.10 | $28.24 | $35.30 |
| Level 2 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Level 3 | $1,182.10 | $31.11 | $38.89 |
| Level 4 | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $40.84 |
| Level 5 | $1,291.80 | $33.99 | $42.49 |
| Level 6 | $1,342.50 | $35.33 | $44.16 |
| Level 7 | $1,393.50 | $36.67 | $45.84 |
| Level 8 | $1,443.70 | $37.99 | $47.49 |
Maintenance and engineering streamClause 18.3
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Worker 1 | $978.10 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| Aircraft Worker 2 | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| Aircraft Worker 3 | $1,029.10 | $27.08 | $33.85 |
| Aircraft Worker 4 | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $34.96 |
| Tradesperson | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | $1,221.10 | $32.13 | $40.16 |
| Transitional Category B1.2 Licence Holder | $1,249.80 | $32.89 | $41.11 |
| Transitional Category B1.4 Licence Holder | $1,249.80 | $32.89 | $41.11 |
| Full Category B1.1 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Full Category B1.2 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Full Category B1.3 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Full Category B1.4 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Full Category B1/B2 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Full Category B2 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Transitional Category B1.1 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Transitional Category B1.3 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Transitional Category B2 Licence Holder | $1,309.50 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
Storepersons and logistics streamClause 18.4
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,024.50 | $26.96 | $33.70 |
| Level 2 | $1,046.70 | $27.54 | $34.43 |
| Level 3 | $1,072.80 | $28.23 | $35.29 |
| Level 4 | $1,106.20 | $29.11 | $36.39 |
| Level 5 | $1,146.60 | $30.17 | $37.71 |
Penalty and overtime rates
Percentages as the award sets them, and what they come to an hour at the first adult level. Higher classifications get the same percentages of their own rate. The tick on each bar marks 100%, the ordinary rate.
Evenings, weekends and public holidays
Aviation transport employees other than shiftworkers: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$27.38 | 125%$34.23 |
| Saturday | 150%$41.07 | 175%$47.92 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$54.76 | 225%$61.61 |
| Sunday | 200%$54.76 | 225%$61.61 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$68.45 | 275%$75.30 |
Clerical, administration and support employees other than shiftworkers: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$28.24 | 125%$35.30 |
| Saturday | 150%$42.36 | 175%$49.42 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$56.48 | 225%$63.54 |
| Sunday | 200%$56.48 | 225%$63.54 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$70.60 | 275%$77.66 |
Maintenance and engineering employees other than shiftworkers: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Aircraft Worker 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$25.74 | 125%$32.18 |
| Saturday | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Sunday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$64.35 | 275%$70.79 |
Storepersons and logistics employees other than shiftworkers: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$26.96 | 125%$33.70 |
| Saturday | 150%$40.44 | 175%$47.18 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$53.92 | 225%$60.66 |
| Sunday | 200%$53.92 | 225%$60.66 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$67.40 | 275%$74.14 |
Shiftwork
Aviation transport shiftworkers: penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150%$41.07 | 175%$47.92 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$54.76 | 225%$61.61 |
| Sunday | 200%$54.76 | 225%$61.61 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$68.45 | 275%$75.30 |
Aviation transport shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning or afternoon shift | 115%$31.49 | 140%$38.33 |
| Night shift - finishing after midnight and at or before 8.00 am | 122.5%$33.54 | 147.5%$40.39 |
| Night shift - commencing after midnight and before 4.00 am | 130%$35.59 | 155%$42.44 |
| Continuous afternoon or night shifts | 150%$41.07 | 175%$47.92 |
Clerical, administration and support shiftworkers: penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150%$42.36 | 175%$49.42 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$56.48 | 225%$63.54 |
| Sunday | 200%$56.48 | 225%$63.54 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$70.60 | 275%$77.66 |
Clerical, administration and support shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning or afternoon shift | 115%$32.48 | 140%$39.54 |
| Night shift - finishing after midnight and at or before 8.00 am | 122.5%$34.59 | 147.5%$41.65 |
| Night shift - commencing after midnight and before 4.00 am | 130%$36.71 | 155%$43.77 |
| Continuous afternoon or night shifts | 150%$42.36 | 175%$49.42 |
Maintenance and engineering shiftworkers: penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Aircraft Worker 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Sunday | 200%$51.48 | 225%$57.92 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$64.35 | 275%$70.79 |
Maintenance and engineering shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Aircraft Worker 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning or afternoon shift | 115%$29.60 | 140%$36.04 |
| Night shift - Finishing after midnight and at or before 8.00 am | 122.5%$31.53 | 147.5%$37.97 |
| Night shift - Commencing after midnight and before 4.00 am | 130%$33.46 | 155%$39.90 |
| Continuous afternoon or night shifts | 150%$38.61 | 175%$45.05 |
Storepersons and logistics shiftworkers: penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150%$40.44 | 175%$47.18 |
| Public holiday: Public holidays other than Christmas Day and Good Friday | 200%$53.92 | 225%$60.66 |
| Sunday | 200%$53.92 | 225%$60.66 |
| Public holiday: Christmas Day and Good Friday | 250%$67.40 | 275%$74.14 |
Storepersons and logistics shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Full-time and part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning or afternoon shift | 115%$31.00 | 140%$37.74 |
| Night shift - Finishing after midnight and at or before 8.00 am | 122.5%$33.03 | 147.5%$39.77 |
| Night shift - Commencing after midnight and before 4.00 am | 130%$35.05 | 155%$41.79 |
| Continuous afternoon or night shifts | 150%$40.44 | 175%$47.18 |
Overtime
Full-time and part-time aviation transport employees including shiftworkers: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$41.07 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$41.07 |
| Continuous shiftworkers: Monday to Sunday - All overtime hours | 200%$54.76 |
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$54.76 |
| Day workers: Sunday - All hours | 200%$54.76 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$54.76 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Sunday - All hours | 200%$54.76 |
Full-time and part-time clerical, administration and support employees including shiftworkers: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$42.36 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$42.36 |
| Continuous shiftworkers: Monday to Sunday - All overtime hours | 200%$56.48 |
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$56.48 |
| Day workers: Sunday - All hours | 200%$56.48 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$56.48 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Sunday - All hours | 200%$56.48 |
Full-time and part-time maintenance and engineering employees including shiftworkers: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Aircraft Worker 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$38.61 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$38.61 |
| Continuous shiftworkers: Monday to Sunday - All overtime hours | 200%$51.48 |
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$51.48 |
| Day workers: Sunday - All hours | 200%$51.48 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$51.48 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Sunday - All hours | 200%$51.48 |
Full-time and part-time storepersons and logistics employees including shiftworkers: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$40.44 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$40.44 |
| Continuous shiftworkers: Monday to Sunday - All overtime hours | 200%$53.92 |
| Day workers: Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$53.92 |
| Day workers: Sunday - All hours | 200%$53.92 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$53.92 |
| Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers): Sunday - All hours | 200%$53.92 |
Juniors, apprentices and other arrangements
Rates that depend on age, training or another arrangement. Open a group to see its rates.
National Training Wage Level ATrainee ratesClause F.4.1(a)15 rates
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Year 10School leaver | $432.30 |
| Year 10Plus 1 year out of school | $476.00 |
| Year 10Plus 2 years out of school | $566.20 |
| Year 10Plus 3 years out of school | $658.90 |
| Year 10Plus 4 years out of school | $766.80 |
| Year 10Plus 5 or more years out of school | $877.80 |
| Year 11School leaver | $476.00 |
| Year 11Plus 1 year out of school | $566.20 |
| Year 11Plus 2 years out of school | $658.90 |
| Year 11Plus 3 years out of school | $766.80 |
| Year 11Plus 4 years out of school | $877.80 |
| Year 12School leaver | $566.20 |
| Year 12Plus 1 year out of school | $658.90 |
| Year 12Plus 2 years out of school | $766.80 |
| Year 12Plus 3 years out of school | $877.80 |
National Training Wage Level BTrainee ratesClause F.4.1(b)15 rates
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Year 10School leaver | $432.30 |
| Year 10Plus 1 year out of school | $476.00 |
| Year 10Plus 2 years out of school | $551.70 |
| Year 10Plus 3 years out of school | $634.70 |
| Year 10Plus 4 years out of school | $744.40 |
| Year 10Plus 5 or more years out of school | $848.90 |
| Year 11School leaver | $476.00 |
| Year 11Plus 1 year out of school | $551.70 |
| Year 11Plus 2 years out of school | $634.70 |
| Year 11Plus 3 years out of school | $744.40 |
| Year 11Plus 4 years out of school | $848.90 |
| Year 12School leaver | $551.70 |
| Year 12Plus 1 year out of school | $634.70 |
| Year 12Plus 2 years out of school | $744.40 |
| Year 12Plus 3 years out of school | $848.90 |
National Training Wage - AQF Certificate Level IV traineeshipsTrainee ratesClause F.4.1(c)(ii)4 rates
| Classification | Weekly |
|---|---|
| First year of traineeshipA | $911.10 |
| First year of traineeshipB | $881.20 |
| Second and subsequent year of traineeshipA | $945.70 |
| Second and subsequent year of traineeshipB | $914.70 |
National Training Wage - part-time traineeships - Wage Level ATrainee ratesClause F.4.2(a)15 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Year 10School leaver | $14.21 |
| Year 10Plus 1 year out of school | $15.66 |
| Year 10Plus 2 years out of school | $18.61 |
| Year 10Plus 3 years out of school | $21.67 |
| Year 10Plus 4 years out of school | $25.21 |
| Year 10Plus 5 or more years out of school | $28.88 |
| Year 11School leaver | $15.66 |
| Year 11Plus 1 year out of school | $18.61 |
| Year 11Plus 2 years out of school | $21.67 |
| Year 11Plus 3 years out of school | $25.21 |
| Year 11Plus 4 years out of school | $28.88 |
| Year 12School leaver | $18.61 |
| Year 12Plus 1 year out of school | $21.67 |
| Year 12Plus 2 years out of school | $25.21 |
| Year 12Plus 3 years out of school | $28.88 |
National Training Wage - part-time traineeships - Wage Level BTrainee ratesClause F.4.2(b)15 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Year 10School leaver | $14.21 |
| Year 10Plus 1 year out of school | $15.66 |
| Year 10Plus 2 years out of school | $18.16 |
| Year 10Plus 3 years out of school | $20.88 |
| Year 10Plus 4 years out of school | $24.49 |
| Year 10Plus 5 or more years out of school | $27.93 |
| Year 11School leaver | $15.66 |
| Year 11Plus 1 year out of school | $18.16 |
| Year 11Plus 2 years out of school | $20.88 |
| Year 11Plus 3 years out of school | $24.49 |
| Year 11Plus 4 years out of school | $27.93 |
| Year 12School leaver | $18.16 |
| Year 12Plus 1 year out of school | $20.88 |
| Year 12Plus 2 years out of school | $24.49 |
| Year 12Plus 3 years out of school | $27.93 |
National Training Wage - School-based traineeshipsTrainee ratesClause F.4.2(c)2 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Year 11 or lower | $14.21 |
| Year 12 | $15.66 |
National Training Wage - AQF Certificate Level IV traineeshipsTrainee ratesClause F.4.2(d)(ii)4 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| First year of traineeshipA | $29.98 |
| First year of traineeshipB | $28.99 |
| Second and subsequent year of traineeshipB | $30.08 |
| Second and subsequent year of traineeshipA | $31.10 |
Allowances paid on top
63 allowances are for the work itself, paid when the job calls for it, and 6 cover costs you'd otherwise pay yourself, like meals, laundry or travel. The amounts are the Commission's, in force today; the award sets out exactly who gets each one and when.
For the work
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple shift allowance | ||
| 3 shifts with start times over 30 minutes apartClause 17.6(a) | $5.82 per roster week | |
| More than 3 shifts with start times over 30 minutes apart, additional to clause 17.6(a)Clause 17.6(b) | $6.16 per each such starting time in excess of 3 | |
| Coffin allowanceClause 20.2(a) | $4.14 per coffin | |
| Disability allowance | ||
| Excessive fumes, noise and dust etc.Clause 20.2(b)(i)(A) | $1.34 an hour | |
| Noise and dust to a limited degreeClause 20.2(b)(i)(B) | $0.74 an hour | |
| First aid allowanceClause 20.2(c) | $18.80 a week | |
| Nightsoil allowanceClause 20.2(d) | $7.16 a shift | |
| Foreign language allowance | ||
| 1 languageClause 20.2(e) | $7.39 a week | |
| 2 languagesClause 20.2(e) | $11.08 a week | |
| 3 or more languagesClause 20.2(e) | $14.44 a week | |
| Money collection allowance | ||
| $1000 to less than $5000Clause 20.4(a) | $18.02 a week | |
| $200 to less than $1000Clause 20.4(a) | $13.43 a week | |
| $5000 and overClause 20.4(a) | $20.93 a week | |
| Less than $200Clause 20.4(a) | $6.71 a week | |
| Leading hand allowanceClause 20.4(b) | $33.57 a week | |
| Full Category Aircraft Type Rating Endorsement payment | ||
| Each additional endorsement, Full Category B1.1 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $55.96 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Full Category B1.2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $55.96 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Full Category B1.3 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $55.96 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Full Category B1.4 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $55.96 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Full Category B1/B2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $55.96 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Full Category B2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $55.96 a week | |
| First endorsement, Full Category B1.1 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $223.82 a week | |
| First endorsement, Full Category B1.2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $167.87 a week | |
| First endorsement, Full Category B1.3 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $223.82 a week | |
| First endorsement, Full Category B1.4 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $167.87 a week | |
| First endorsement, Full Category B1/B2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $335.73 a week | |
| First endorsement, Full Category B2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(b)(i) | $279.78 a week | |
| Aggregate of all Full Category Endorsement payments, not to exceed maximumClause 20.6(b)(ii) | $391.69 a week | |
| Aggregate of all Full Category Endorsement payments for B2 Licence Holder (including allowances paid under clause 20.6(f)(i)), not to exceed maximumClause 20.6(b)(iii) | $391.69 a week | |
| Transitional Category Aircraft Type Rating Endorsement payment | ||
| Each additional endorsement, Transitional Category B1.1 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $47.56 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Transitional Category B1.2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $47.56 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Transitional Category B1.3 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $47.56 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Transitional Category B1.4 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $47.56 a week | |
| Each additional endorsement, Transitional Category B2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $47.56 a week | |
| First endorsement, Transitional Category B1.1 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $167.87 a week | |
| First endorsement, Transitional Category B1.2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $122.21 a week | |
| First endorsement, Transitional Category B1.3 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $167.87 a week | |
| First endorsement, Transitional Category B1.4 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $122.21 a week | |
| First endorsement, Transitional Category B2 Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(c)(i) | $237.70 a week | |
| Aggregate of all Transitional Category Endorsement payments, not to exceed maximumClause 20.6(c)(ii) | $324.87 a week | |
| Aggregate of all Transitional Category Endorsement payments for B2 Licence Holder (including allowances paid under clause 20.6(f)(i)), not to exceed maximumClause 20.6(c)(iii) | $324.87 a week | |
| Special appointments | ||
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, weight control authority under CAO 100.28Counts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(A) | $80.24 a week | |
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, appointment signatory under CAO 145.A.30(f)Counts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(B) | $28.54 a week | |
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, non-destructive testing authorisation under CAO 100.27Counts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(C) | $15.44 a week | |
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, sum of payment not to exceed maximumCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(C) | $38.72 a week | |
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, welding authority under CAO 100.25Counts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(D) | $38.72 a week | |
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, taxiing approvalCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(E) | $15.44 a week | |
| Additional payments for exercise of privilege in maintenance and engineering stream, control of engine overhaul test facilityCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(e)(i)(F) | $7.95 per day or part of day | |
| Category A Licence Holder | ||
| Exercise of privileges and authorities of Category A LicenceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(f)(i) | $87.29 a week | |
| Exercise of second sub-Category A Licence endorsementCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(f)(ii) | $67.15 a week | |
| Exercise of third and subsequent sub-Category A Licence endorsementsCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(f)(ii) | $55.96 a week | |
| Minimum paymentClause 20.6(f)(iii) | $1,222.06 a week | |
| Category C Licence Holder | ||
| Exercise of privileges and authorities of Category C Licence HolderCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(g)(i) | $59.76 a week | |
| Minimum paymentClause 20.6(g)(ii) | $1,309.24 a week | |
| Maintenance and engineering stream, leading hand allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.6(h) | $59.76 a week | |
| Cold places allowanceClause 20.7(d) | $0.83 an hour | |
| Hot places allowance | ||
| Between 46 and 54°CClause 20.7(e)(i) | $0.85 an hour | |
| In excess of 54°CClause 20.7(e)(i) | $1.12 an hour | |
| Wet places allowanceClause 20.7(f)(i) | $0.85 an hour | |
| Confined spaces allowanceClause 20.7(g) | $0.85 an hour | |
| Dirty work allowanceClause 20.7(h)(i) | $1.12 an hour | |
| Fuel tanks allowanceClause 20.7(i) | $1.34 an hour | |
| Fibre glass allowanceClause 20.7(j) | $0.90 an hour | |
To cover costs
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Meal allowance | ||
| OvertimeClause 16.4(c) | $19.14 per rest break | |
| Work on rostered day off or recallClause 16.4(e)(i) | $19.14 per 4-hour period | |
| Travelling time and board allowance, away from home overnightClause 20.3(b)(iii) | $178.07 a day | |
| Private motor vehicle allowanceClause 20.3(d) | $1.01 a km | |
| Laundry allowanceClause 20.5(a) | $5.05 a week | |
| Tool allowance, tradepersonCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 20.8(b)(i) | $17.90 a week | |
The award is the final word
These are the minimum rates the Fair Work Commission publishes for the award. Shift rules, rostering and who each classification covers are in the award itself, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay. Employees no award or agreement covers get the National Minimum Wage: $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Questions people ask
- What is the minimum pay rate under the Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award?
- From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult rate is $25.74 an hour ($978.10 a week full time), for Aircraft Worker 1. The highest adult classification is $37.99 an hour. Trainee rates, further down, can be lower.
- How does the Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award minimum compare?
- Its lowest adult rate is $25.74 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 71 have a higher minimum.
- How much did Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award rates go up on 1 July 2026?
- The lowest adult rate rose 6.01%, from $24.28 to $25.74 an hour, in the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. The table shows each classification's rate before and after.
- What is the casual loading under the Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award?
- 25% on top of the ordinary hourly rate, paid instead of leave entitlements. For Aircraft Worker 1 that makes $32.18 an hour.
- What are Sunday rates under the Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award?
- Full-time and part-time employees get 200% of the ordinary rate on Sunday: $54.76 an hour at Level 1. Public holidays are 200–250%. Casual rates are in the penalty tables above.
- What allowances are paid under the Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award?
- 69 allowances have a dollar amount set by the Commission, including a multiple shift allowance, 3 shifts with start times over 30 minutes apart of $5.82 per roster week, a multiple shift allowance, more than 3 shifts with start times over 30 minutes apart, additional to clause 17.6(a) of $6.16 per each such starting time in excess of 3 and a coffin allowance of $4.14 per coffin. The full list, with the clause each comes from, is on this page.
- Where do these rates come from?
- The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database, which publishes every award's minimum rates; we read it when the Commission changes an award. The award itself prevails if the two ever differ, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay.
Source: Fair Work Commission, Modern Awards Pay Database, licensed CC BY 4.0, read 27 Oct 2026 and arranged by The Finance Algorithm. Not endorsed by the Fair Work Commission. Read with the award: if they differ, the award prevails. General information, not legal or payroll advice.