What is the minimum hourly rate for a plumber under the award?

Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020, a Plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson Level 1 earns a minimum weekly rate of $1,119.10 for 38 hours, which is $29.45 per hour. Higher classifications, such as Advanced tradesperson Level 2, pay up to $33.77 per hour. These rates are from the award text and apply from 1 July 2025 (the most recent update). Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading on top of these hourly rates.

How does casual loading affect a plumber's pay?

Casual employees under the award are paid an extra 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a tradesperson Level 1, that means $29.45 × 1.25 = $36.81 per hour. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave or other entitlements. The [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page explains how to calculate it using our timesheet tool.

Is superannuation included in the hourly rate or paid on top?

Superannuation is paid on top of the hourly rate. Under the award and the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) into a super fund. For a full-time plumber earning $29.45 per hour, that adds about $3.53 per hour in super, but it is not part of the hourly wage. The [super and packaging](/topics/super-and-packaging) page has more details.

Plumbers Salary: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage in 2026

A qualified plumber under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award earns at least $29.45 per hour as a tradesperson Level 1, well above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week.

Plumbers Salary Under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award

If you are looking up a plumbers salary, the first thing to know is that most plumbers in Australia are covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award 2020. This award sets minimum pay rates that are higher than the National Minimum Wage. For example, a qualified tradesperson (Level 1) must be paid at least $29.45 per hour or $1,119.10 per week for a 38-hour week. Compare that to the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour – a difference of over $3 per hour.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time plumber working 38 hours per week at $29.45 per hour:

$29.45 × 38 × 52 = $58,193.20 per year

This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you are paid fortnightly, multiply the weekly rate by 2: $1,119.10 × 2 = $2,238.20 per fortnight.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Casual employees get $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. However, the Plumbing Award sets higher minimums for most classifications. For instance, a Plumbing and mechanical services worker Level 1(a) (new entrant) starts at $26.67 per hour, still above the national minimum. As you progress through levels, the rates increase. The award also includes allowances for tools, special work, and travel that can boost take-home pay.

Casual Loading for Plumbers

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a tradesperson Level 1, that is $29.45 × 1.25 = $36.81 per hour. The loading is meant to compensate for not receiving paid annual leave, sick leave, or other entitlements. Our timesheet tool lets you enter a base hourly rate and check a box to add the 25% casual loading automatically – never enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation of 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) into a complying super fund. This is on top of the hourly wage. For a full-time plumber earning $58,193.20 per year, the employer adds about $6,983.18 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super does not reduce your take-home pay; it is an extra benefit.

Tax and Medicare Levy

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil tax on the first $18,200
15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds are not yet confirmed). For a plumber earning $58,193.20, the estimated tax is about $8,897 plus Medicare of $1,164, leaving an after-tax income of approximately $48,132.

Other Award Classifications

The award has many levels. For example, an Advanced plumbing and mechanical services tradesperson Level 2 earns $33.77 per hour ($1,283.10 per week). That annualises to $66,769.52. A Sprinkler fitter tradesperson has similar rates. The reference tables on our site list all classifications.

Using the Timesheet Tool

To estimate your own pay, use our timesheet tool. Enter your base hourly rate (e.g., $29.45 for a tradesperson), select 38 hours per week, and the tool will show annual gross, fortnightly pay, tax, Medicare, and super. If you are casual, tick the casual loading box – the tool adds 25% on top of the base rate.

Summary

A plumbers salary under the award is significantly above the National Minimum Wage. The minimum for a qualified tradesperson is $29.45 per hour, with higher rates for advanced skills. Casual workers get a 25% loading. Super is paid on top at 12%. Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 to get annual gross, then subtract tax and Medicare for an estimate of take-home pay. For precise calculations, always refer to the award and the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.