Award minimums and market bands for the roles we fill. Every number sourced and dated. Nothing gated, free to cite with a link.
Last updated 26 July 2026. Award minimums reflect the 1 July 2026 annual wage review: modern award rates up 4.75%, national minimum wage $26.44/hr ($1,004.90/wk). Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. Market bands are SEEK national salary pages, refreshed 1 July 2026.
| Role | Award floor /hr | Market band (annual) | Day rate equiv | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $32.19 | $95,000 to $115,000 | ~$450 | MA000025, grade 5 licensed |
| Plumber | $32.80 | $85,000 to $105,000 | ~$400 | MA000036, registered level 1 |
| HVAC tech | $32.19 | $95,000 to $105,000 | ~$450 | MA000025 (electrical licence lane) |
| Carpenter | $31.95 | $80,000 to $95,000 | ~$400 | MA000020, CW/ECW 3 residential |
| Welder | $29.45 | $75,000 to $85,000 | ~$350 | MA000010, C10 |
| Boilermaker | $29.45 | $100,000 to $120,000 | ~$500 | MA000010, C10 |
Trade floors are all-purpose rates including the standard industry, tool and licence allowances for the stated classification.
| Role | Award floor /hr | Market band (annual) | Day rate equiv | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC driver | $29.00 | $115,000 to $135,000 (MC) | ~$550 | MA000038, grade 6 |
| MC driver | $30.28 | MA000038, grade 8 (B-double to 53.4t: grade 7, $29.42) | ||
| Forklift operator | $27.97 | $65,000 to $80,000 | ~$300 | MA000084, storeworker 2 licensed |
| Storeperson | $27.72 | $60,000 to $70,000 | ~$300 | MA000084, storeworker 1 (12 months) |
| Role | Award floor /hr | Market band (annual) | Day rate equiv | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine operator | $27.08 | $70,000 to $80,000 | ~$350 | MA000010, C12 |
| Production worker | $26.44 | $70,000 to $75,000 | ~$300 | MA000010, C13 |
| Role | Award floor /hr | Market band (annual) | Day rate equiv | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admin / office support | $29.45 | $65,000 to $80,000 | ~$300 | MA000002, level 2.1 |
| Customer service | $29.45 | $65,000 to $75,000 | ~$300 | MA000002, level 2.1 (level 3: $31.11) |
| BDM / sales rep | $29.55 | $105,000 to $125,000 | ~$500 | MA000083, commercial traveller |
| Role | Award floor /hr | Market band (annual) | Day rate equiv | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trades supervisor | varies by parent trade award | $120,000 to $140,000 | ~$550 | supervisor levels in each trade award |
| Operations manager | award free | $110,000 to $130,000 | ~$500 | above award coverage |
| Executive / GM | award free | $160,000 to $180,000 | ~$750 | above award coverage |
Quoting this guide? Link to this page so your readers get the maintained version: skilledhiring.com/rates
Change log: created 26 July 2026 (post annual wage review 2026 rates).
Earning under the market line?
TEXT ME ABOUT WORKYes. Quote any figure with a link to this page so your readers reach the maintained version and the original source. No permission needed.
Award floors change every 1 July with the annual wage review, and that refresh is mandatory. Market bands are re-checked each quarter. The last updated date at the top of the page is a real date, entered by hand.
Modern award minimum rates rose 4.75 per cent from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour, or $1,004.90 a week.
Market midpoint divided by 230 working days, rounded to the nearest $50. It is an indicative conversion for comparison, not a rate card.
Award minimums are national, so a state table would repeat identical numbers under different headings. Where market pay genuinely differs by state, we say so and name the source.
No. Every figure is a cash rate before superannuation. The superannuation guarantee sits on top of them.