Overtime · MA000010

Manufacturing Award Overtime Rules

1 Jul 2026 Updated 1 Jul 2026 By Fitz HR 5 min read Reviewed against FWO Pay Guide MA000010

Overtime is common in manufacturing and one of the biggest sources of pay error. The Manufacturing Award MA000010 sets clear triggers and rates — this guide covers when overtime applies and what you must pay in 2026.

Under MA000010, overtime is paid at 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% after that. Overtime applies to hours worked beyond the ordinary daily or weekly hours, outside the span of ordinary hours, or contrary to the roster. Sunday overtime is paid at 200%. Employees who work significant overtime are also entitled to rest breaks before returning to work.

Rates current as at 2026-07-01 (Annual Wage Review), sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000010. Next review 2027-07-01.

Overtime — Manufacturing

First 3 hours: 150% of the ordinary rate
After 3 hours: 200%
Sunday overtime: 200%
Rest break may apply after significant overtime

When Overtime Applies

Overtime under MA000010 is triggered when an employee works beyond their ordinary daily or weekly hours, outside the agreed span of ordinary hours, or otherwise contrary to the roster. Full-time ordinary hours are an average of 38 per week. Whether a shift is "overtime" turns on the roster and the span — not just the total hours in a day.

Overtime Rates

Overtime is paid at 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% thereafter. Overtime worked on a Sunday is paid at 200%. Public holiday work is covered by the public holiday penalty. Overtime is calculated on the ordinary rate — shift loadings are not added on top of overtime for the same hour.

Rest Breaks After Overtime

Where an employee works substantial overtime, the Award provides for a rest break before they return to work, or payment at overtime rates until they have had the break. This protects fatigue-related safety and is easy to overlook when running back-to-back shifts.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits

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Averaging overtime away. Overtime is assessed against ordinary hours and the roster, not smoothed across a fortnight.
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Paying a flat rate for all extra hours. The first 3 hours are 150%; after that it is 200%.
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Ignoring the rest-break entitlement. After significant overtime, a rest break (or continued overtime pay) applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the overtime rates under the Manufacturing Award?
150% for the first 3 hours and 200% after, under MA000010. Sunday overtime is 200%.
When does overtime apply in manufacturing?
When an employee works beyond ordinary daily/weekly hours, outside the span of ordinary hours, or contrary to the roster. Ordinary full-time hours average 38 per week.
Is Sunday work in manufacturing overtime or a penalty?
Ordinary Sunday hours are paid at the Sunday penalty (200%); Sunday overtime is also 200%. Confirm whether the hours are rostered ordinary hours or overtime.
Are shift loadings added to overtime?
No. Overtime is calculated on the ordinary rate; the higher single entitlement applies rather than stacking a shift loading on top of overtime.

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Manufacturing Award Overtime Rules — FAQ

What are the overtime rates under the Manufacturing Award? 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% after, under MA000010. Sunday overtime is 200%.

When does overtime apply in manufacturing? When an employee works beyond ordinary daily/weekly hours, outside the span of ordinary hours, or contrary to the roster. Ordinary full-time hours average 38 per week.

Is Sunday work in manufacturing overtime or a penalty? Ordinary Sunday hours are paid at the Sunday penalty (200%); Sunday overtime is also 200%. Confirm whether the hours are rostered ordinary hours or overtime.

Are shift loadings added to overtime? No. Overtime is calculated on the ordinary rate; the higher single entitlement applies rather than stacking a shift loading on top of overtime.