Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award pay rates
Award code MA000036, with rates in force from 1 July 2026.
Minimum pay for 11 adult classifications under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020, from 1 July 2026: $26.67 to $33.77 an hour before tax. Casuals get a 25% loading on top.
Lowest adult rate
$26.67an hour
For Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry). $1,013.60 for a full-time week. Up 4.75% from $25.46. Casuals get $33.34 an hour, with the 25% loading.
Its lowest adult rate is $26.67 an hour, 0.9% above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 48 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- Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)$26.67
- Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(b) (after 3 months in the industry)$27.20
- Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(c) (after 12 months in the industry)$27.56
- Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker/Fire Technician Level 1(d) (upon fulfilling the substantive requirements of Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(d))$27.97
- Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 1$29.45
- Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 2$29.45
- Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 2$30.38
- Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson–special class/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson special class Level 1$31.30
- Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson–special class/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson special class Level 2$32.13
- Advanced plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Advanced sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 1$33.06
- Advanced plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Advanced sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 2$33.77
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 Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry).
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$28.85 |
| Saturday – first 2 hours | 150%$43.28 |
| Saturday – after 2 hours | 200%$57.70 |
| Sunday | 200%$57.70 |
| Public holiday | 250%$72.13 |
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.
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry) | $1,013.60 | $26.67 | $33.34 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(b) (after 3 months in the industry) | $1,033.60 | $27.20 | $34.00 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(c) (after 12 months in the industry) | $1,047.30 | $27.56 | $34.45 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker/Fire Technician Level 1(d) (upon fulfilling the substantive requirements of Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(d)) | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $34.96 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 1 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 2 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 2 | $1,154.30 | $30.38 | $37.98 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson–special class/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson special class Level 1 | $1,189.40 | $31.30 | $39.13 |
| Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson–special class/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson special class Level 2 | $1,221.10 | $32.13 | $40.16 |
| Advanced plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Advanced sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 1 | $1,256.30 | $33.06 | $41.33 |
| Advanced plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson/Advanced sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 2 | $1,283.10 | $33.77 | $42.21 |
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
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Daily hire employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$28.85 |
| Saturday – first 2 hours | 150%$43.28 |
| Saturday – after 2 hours | 200%$57.70 |
| Sunday | 200%$57.70 |
| Public holiday | 250%$72.13 |
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Weekly hire full-time and part-time employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$27.97 |
| Saturday – first 2 hours | 150%$41.96 |
| Saturday – after 2 hours | 200%$55.94 |
| Sunday | 200%$55.94 |
| Public holiday | 250%$69.93 |
Sprinkler Fitting Employees: Weekly hire full-time and part-time employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$29.65 |
| Saturday – first 2 hours | 150%$44.48 |
| Saturday – after 2 hours | 200%$59.30 |
| Sunday | 200%$59.30 |
| Public holiday | 250%$74.13 |
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Casual employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 125%$34.96 |
| Saturday – first 2 hours | 175%$48.95 |
| Saturday – after 2 hours | 225%$62.93 |
| Sunday | 225%$62.93 |
| Public holiday | 275%$76.92 |
Sprinkler Fitting Employees: Casual employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 125%$37.06 |
| Saturday – first 2 hours | 175%$51.89 |
| Saturday – after 2 hours | 225%$66.71 |
| Sunday | 225%$66.71 |
| Public holiday | 275%$81.54 |
Shiftwork
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Daily hire shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Five or more consecutive shifts and at least 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday | 133%$38.37 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – first 2 hours | 150%$43.28 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – after 2 hours | 200%$57.70 |
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Weekly hire full-time and part-time shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Five or more consecutive shifts and at least 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday | 133%$37.20 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – first 2 hours | 150%$41.96 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – after 2 hours | 200%$55.94 |
Sprinkler Fitting Employees: Weekly hire full-time and part-time shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Five or more consecutive shifts and at least 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday | 133%$39.43 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – first 2 hours | 150%$44.48 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – after 2 hours | 200%$59.30 |
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Casual shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Five or more consecutive shifts and at least 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday | 158%$44.19 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – first 2 hours | 175%$48.95 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – after 2 hours | 225%$62.93 |
Sprinkler Fitting Employees: Casual shiftworkers: shiftwork rates
Dollars an hour at Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Five or more consecutive shifts and at least 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday | 158%$46.85 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – first 2 hours | 175%$51.89 |
| Less than 5 consecutive shifts or less than 48 hours’ notice - Monday to Friday – after 2 hours | 225%$66.71 |
Overtime
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Daily hire employees: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday – first 2 hours | 150%$43.28 |
| Monday to Saturday – after 2 hours; after 12pm Saturday; commenced after midnight and prior to ordinary hours | 200%$57.70 |
| Sunday | 200%$57.70 |
| Public holiday | 250%$72.13 |
Plumbing and Mechanical Services Employees and Irrigation Installer Employees: Weekly hire full-time and part-time employees: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday – first 2 hours | 150%$41.96 |
| Monday to Saturday – after 2 hours; after 12pm Saturday; commenced after midnight and prior to ordinary hours | 200%$55.94 |
| Sunday | 200%$55.94 |
| Public holiday | 250%$69.93 |
Sprinkler Fitting Employees: Weekly hire full-time and part-time employees: overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry)
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday – first 2 hours | 150%$44.48 |
| Monday to Friday – after 2 hours; commenced after midnight and prior to ordinary hours | 200%$59.30 |
| Saturday and Sunday | 200%$59.30 |
| Public holiday | 250%$74.13 |
Juniors, apprentices and other arrangements
Rates that depend on age, training or another arrangement. Open a group to see its rates.
Apprentices commencing prior to 1 January 2014Apprentice ratesClause 18.2(b) - Plumbing apprentices4 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $12.69 |
| 2nd year | $18.11 |
| 3rd year | $22.75 |
| 4th year | $28.93 |
Commencing prior to 1 January 2014Apprentice ratesClause 18.2(b) - Sprinkler pipe-fitting apprentices4 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $16.59 |
| 2nd year | $18.25 |
| 3rd year | $24.88 |
| 4th year | $29.86 |
Commencing prior to 1 January 2014Apprentice ratesClause 18.2(b)(iv) - Trainee apprentices4 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $14.28 |
| 2nd year | $20.20 |
| 3rd year | $25.05 |
| 4th year | $30.66 |
Commencing on or after 1 January 2014Apprentice ratesClause 18.2(c) - Plumbing apprentices8 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Did not complete Year 12, 1st year | $16.56 |
| Completed Year 12, 1st year | $18.11 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 2nd year | $19.65 |
| Completed Year 12, 2nd year | $21.20 |
| Completed Year 12, 3rd year | $22.75 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 3rd year | $22.75 |
| Completed Year 12, 4th year | $28.93 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 4th year | $28.93 |
Commencing on or after 1 January 2014Apprentice ratesClause 18.2(c) - Sprinter pipe fitting apprentices8 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Completed Year 12, 1st year | $18.25 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 1st year | $16.59 |
| Completed Year 12, 2nd year | $21.56 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 2nd year | $19.91 |
| Completed Year 12, 3rd year | $24.88 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 3rd year | $24.88 |
| Completed Year 12, 4th year | $29.86 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 4th year | $29.86 |
Commencing on or after 1 January 2014Apprentice ratesClause 18.2(c)(iv) - Trainee apprentices8 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| Completed Year 12, 1st year | $19.59 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 1st year | $18.07 |
| Completed Year 12, 2nd year | $22.62 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 2nd year | $21.41 |
| Completed Year 12, 3rd year | $25.05 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 3rd year | $25.05 |
| Completed Year 12, 4th year | $30.66 |
| Did not complete Year 12, 4th year | $30.66 |
Sprinkler fitter employeesAdult apprentice ratesClause 18.3(a) - Adult apprentice4 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $27.56 |
| 2nd year | $27.56 |
| 3rd year | $27.56 |
| 4th year | $29.86 |
Plumbing and mechanical employeesAdult apprentice ratesClause 18.3(b) - Adult apprentice4 rates
| Classification | Hourly |
|---|---|
| 1st year | $27.53 |
| 2nd year | $27.53 |
| 3rd year | $27.53 |
| 4th year | $28.93 |
Allowances paid on top
68 allowances are for the work itself, paid when the job calls for it, and 15 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| On call, fire sprinkler employee, permanent stand-byClause 17.2(a) | $76.10 a week | |
| On-call | ||
| Fire sprinkler employee, other than permanent stand-by, Monday to FridayClause 17.2(b) | $7.83 a night | |
| Fire sprinkler employee, other than permanent stand-by, Saturday, Sunday and public holidayClause 17.2(b) | $55.96 a day | |
| Industry allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(a) | $41.41 a week | |
| Plumbing trade allowance | ||
| Plumbing trade allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(b)(ii) | $33.57 a week | |
| Classifications below Sprinkler fitting tradesperson Level 1Counts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(e)(iv) | $0.88 per hour on an incidence basis | |
| Registration allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(c) | $44.76 a week | |
| Special fixed allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(d)(i) | $7.70 a week | |
| Fire sprinkler fitting trade allowance, tradespersons onlyCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(e)(ii) | $8.39 a week | |
| Industry disability allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(f) | $42.53 a week | |
| Space, height and dirt money allowanceCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(f) | $39.17 a week | |
| Sprinkler fitters adjustment | ||
| Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1Counts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(g) | $31.33 a week | |
| Sprinkler fitting worker Level 2/Sprinkler fitter tradesperson Level 1 or aboveCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(g) | $36.93 a week | |
| Leading hand allowance | ||
| 2 to 5 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(i) | $59.31 a week | |
| 6 to 10 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(i) | $76.10 a week | |
| Not more than 1 employeeCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(i) | $26.86 a week | |
| Over 10 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(i) | $100.72 a week | |
| Daily hire employees, 2 to 5 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(ii) | $1.61 an hour | |
| Daily hire employees, 6 to 10 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(ii) | $2.07 an hour | |
| Daily hire employees, not more than 1 employeeCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(ii) | $0.73 an hour | |
| Daily hire employees, over 10 employeesCounts towards overtime and penalty ratesClause 21.3(h)(ii) | $2.73 an hour | |
| Requirement to act on plumber's licenceClause 21.4(a)(i) | $1.53 an hour | |
| Electric welding allowanceClause 21.4(b)(i) | $0.88 an hour | |
| Oxy-acetylene welding allowanceClause 21.4(b)(i) | $0.88 an hour | |
| Lead burning allowanceClause 21.4(c) | $2.95 an hour | |
| Ship work allowanceClause 21.4(d) | $2.06 an hour | |
| First aid allowanceClause 21.4(e) | $4.03 a day | |
| Service workClause 21.4(f) | $9.62 a day | |
| Computing quantities allowanceClause 21.4(g)(i) | $6.71 per day or part thereof | |
| Laser safety officer allowanceClause 21.4(h)(iii) | $3.92 per day or part thereof | |
| Multistorey work allowance | ||
| From 16th – 30th floor level, where structural or reinforcing steel, boxing or walls rise above 16th floorClause 21.5(d)(iii) | $0.91 an hour | |
| From 31st – 45th floor level, where structural or reinforcing steel, boxing or walls rise above 31st floorClause 21.5(d)(iii) | $1.41 an hour | |
| From 46th – 60th floor level, where structural or reinforcing steel, boxing or walls rise above 46th floorClause 21.5(d)(iii) | $1.83 an hour | |
| From 61st floor level onwards, where structural or reinforcing steel, boxing or walls rise above 61st floorClause 21.5(d)(iii) | $2.27 an hour | |
| From commencement of building to 15th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iii) | $0.77 an hour | |
| Service core allowance | ||
| More than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, each further 15 metresClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $0.94 an hour | |
| No higher than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 16th – 30th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $0.91 an hour | |
| No higher than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 31st – 45th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $1.41 an hour | |
| No higher than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 46th – 60th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $1.83 an hour | |
| No higher than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 61st floor level onwardsClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $2.27 an hour | |
| No higher than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from commencement of building to 15th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $0.77 an hour | |
| Services core allowance | ||
| More than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 16th – 30th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $1.85 an hour | |
| More than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 31st – 45th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $2.35 an hour | |
| More than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 46th – 60th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $2.77 an hour | |
| More than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from 61st floor onwardsClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $3.21 an hour | |
| More than 15 metres above highest point of main structure, from commencement of building to 15th floor levelClause 21.5(d)(iv) | $1.71 an hour | |
| Acid plants and chemical works allowanceClause 21.6(a)(i) | $3.45 an hour | |
| Aluminium foil insulation allowanceClause 21.6(b)(i) | $0.77 per hour or part thereof | |
| Asbestos eradication allowanceClause 21.6(c) | $3.18 an hour | |
| Asbestos materials allowanceClause 21.6(d) | $1.18 an hour | |
| Bitumen work allowanceClause 21.6(e) | $1.18 an hour | |
| Cold work allowanceClause 21.6(f)(i) | $0.94 an hour | |
| Cutting tiles allowanceClause 21.6(g) | $1.18 an hour | |
| Explosive powered tools allowanceClause 21.6(h) | $2.24 an hour | |
| Hospitals and morgues | ||
| Infectious or contagious diseasesClause 21.6(j)(i) | $0.09 an hour | |
| Infectious or contagious diseases, minimum per dayClause 21.6(j)(i) | $0.65 not less–per day or part thereof | |
| Unrefrigerated bodies in morgueClause 21.6(j)(ii) | $0.09 an hour | |
| Unrefrigerated bodies in morgue, minimum per dayClause 21.6(j)(ii) | $0.65 not less–per day or part thereof | |
| Hot work allowance | ||
| Between 46° and 54° CelsiusClause 21.6(k)(i) | $0.94 per hour or part thereof | |
| Exceeds 54° CelsiusClause 21.6(k)(i) | $1.18 per hour or part thereof | |
| Insulation allowanceClause 21.6(l)(i) | $1.18 per hour or part thereof | |
| Service shafts allowance | ||
| Between 4 hours and 8 hours spent in shaftClause 21.6(m)(i) | $5.77 a day | |
| Not more than 4 hours spent in shaftClause 21.6(m)(i) | $2.92 a day | |
| More than 8 hours spent in shaftClause 21.6(m)(ii) | $0.91 an hour | |
| Towers | ||
| Each further 15 metresClause 21.6(n) | $0.94 an hour | |
| Exceeding 15 metresClause 21.6(n) | $0.94 an hour | |
| Toxic substances allowanceClause 21.6(o)(i) | $1.33 an hour | |
| Working in close proximity to toxic substancesClause 21.6(o)(i) | $0.94 an hour | |
To cover costs
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Use of employee’s vehicle for call-outClause 17.4 | $1.00 a km | |
| Tool allowanceClause 21.8(a) | $22.96 a week | |
| Meal allowance | ||
| Overtime, at least one and a half hours after ordinary hoursClause 21.8(b) | $17.69 a meal | |
| Overtime, each subsequent 4 hoursClause 21.8(b) | $17.69 a meal | |
| Compensation for tools and clothesClause 21.8(d)(ii) | $1,335.00 maximum | |
| Fares allowanceClause 21.9(b) | $16.24 a day | |
| Transfer between job sites during work hours, own vehicleClause 21.9(e)(ii) | $1.00 a km | |
| Mileage allowance for travel beyond defined radiusClause 21.9(f) | $0.55 a km | |
| Living away from home | ||
| Distant work, per complete weekClause 21.10(c)(i) | $628.93 a week | |
| Distant work, per dayClause 21.10(c)(i) | $89.91 a day | |
| Travelling expenses | ||
| Forward journey, meal allowanceClause 21.10(d)(i) | $17.69 a meal | |
| Return journeyClause 21.10(d)(ii) | $29.96 per homeward journey | |
| Weekend return homeClause 21.10(d)(iv) | $50.52 each time | |
| Construction camps, camping allowance, per complete weekClause 21.10(d)(v) | $250.64 a week | |
| Construction camps, camping allowance, per dayClause 21.10(d)(v) | $35.92 a day | |
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 Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award?
- From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult rate is $26.67 an hour ($1,013.60 a week full time), for Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry). The highest adult classification is $33.77 an hour. Apprentice and adult apprentice rates, further down, can be lower.
- How does the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award minimum compare?
- Its lowest adult rate is $26.67 an hour, 0.9% above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 48 have a higher minimum.
- How much did Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award rates go up on 1 July 2026?
- The lowest adult rate rose 4.75%, from $25.46 to $26.67 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 Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award?
- 25% on top of the ordinary hourly rate, paid instead of leave entitlements. For Plumbing and mechanical services worker/Sprinkler fitting worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry) that makes $33.34 an hour.
- What are Sunday rates under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award?
- Full-time and part-time employees get 200% of the ordinary rate on Sunday: $57.70 an hour at Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant in the industry). Public holidays are 250%. Casual rates are in the penalty tables above.
- What allowances are paid under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award?
- 83 allowances have a dollar amount set by the Commission, including an on call, fire sprinkler employee, permanent stand-by of $76.10 a week, an on-call, fire sprinkler employee, other than permanent stand-by, Monday to Friday of $7.83 a night and an on-call, fire sprinkler employee, other than permanent stand-by, Saturday, Sunday and public holiday of $55.96 a day. 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.