Award Rates · Penalty Rates · 2026

Manufacturing Award Rates 2026 — C-Level Pay Rates

1 Jul 2026 Updated 1 Jul 2026 By Fitz HR 6 min read Reviewed against FWO Pay Guide MA000010

The Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award MA000010 uses a C-level classification structure (C14 through the trade and higher levels) that trips up a lot of employers. Get the level wrong and every hour is underpaid. This guide sets out the 2026 rates and how they fit together.

Under the Manufacturing Award MA000010 (2026), a C14 engineering/manufacturing employee earns $25.74/hr full-time ($32.18/hr casual). Saturday is 150%, Sunday 200% and public holidays 250% of the ordinary rate. Afternoon and night shift loadings are 15% (30% for permanent night shift). Overtime is 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% after. The classification is set by the C-level, not the job title.

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

Quick Reference — Manufacturing 2026

C14 (entry): $25.74/hr full-time · $32.18/hr casual
Saturday: 150% · Sunday: 200% · Public holiday: 250%
Afternoon / night shift: +15% · Permanent night: +30%
Overtime: 150% (first 3 hrs) then 200%
Casual loading: 25% on top of the ordinary rate

C-Level Classification Rates

Manufacturing classifications run from C14 (entry) up through C10 (trade level) and beyond. Each level is defined by skills, training and responsibility — not job title. A tradesperson paid at a lower C-level than their work is being systematically underpaid.

Classification (full-time)HourlyWeekly (38h)
C14 - Engineering/manufacturing employee - level I$25.74$978.10
C13 - Engineering/manufacturing employee - level II$26.44$1004.90
C12 - Engineering/manufacturing employee - level III$27.08$1029.10
C11 - Engineering/manufacturing employee - level IV$27.97$1062.90
C11 - Laboratory tester$27.97$1062.90
C10 - Engineering/manufacturing tradesperson - level I$29.45$1119.10
C10 - Engineering/manufacturing systems employee - level V$29.45$1119.10
C9 - Engineering/manufacturing tradesperson - level II$30.38$1154.30
C9 - Engineering/laboratory technician - level I$30.38$1154.30
C8 - Engineering/manufacturing tradesperson - special class level I$31.30$1189.40
C8 - Engineering/laboratory technician - level II$31.30$1189.40
C7 - Engineering/manufacturing tradesperson - special class level II$32.13$1221.10

Showing 12 of 98 full-time classifications. Ask Fitz for any classification, stream or employment type.

Weekend & Public Holiday Penalties

Penalty rates are a percentage of the ordinary hourly rate:

When workedFull-time / part-timeCasual (all-inclusive)
Saturday150%—
Sunday200%—
Public holiday250%—

Casual employees receive the 25% casual loading in addition to the ordinary rate; overtime and penalty interactions can be complex, so confirm the exact rate for the shift before you run pay.

Shift Loadings & Overtime

Afternoon and night shift work attracts a 15% loading; a permanent (non-rotating) night shift attracts 30%. Overtime is 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% after that. See our shift loadings guide and overtime guide for the detail.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits

✗
Classifying by job title. The C-level is set by skills, training and responsibility. A C10 tradesperson on C13 rates is underpaid every hour.
✗
Treating shift loadings as optional. Afternoon and night shifts attract a 15% loading (30% permanent night) — it is not discretionary.
✗
Missing the 4-hour minimum engagement. Part-time and casual employees must be paid for at least 4 hours per shift.
✗
Under-paying Sunday work. Sunday is 200% and public holidays 250% — well above Saturday’s 150%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C10 rate under the Manufacturing Award in 2026?
C10 is the trade level. Rates rise from C14 at $25.74/hr full-time up through the C-levels — see the classification table above, or the full Manufacturing Award pay rates.
What are the weekend penalty rates in manufacturing?
Saturday is 150%, Sunday 200% and public holidays 250% of the ordinary rate under MA000010. Casual employees also receive the 25% casual loading.
What is the afternoon shift loading in manufacturing?
15% on the ordinary rate for afternoon and night shifts, and 30% for a permanent (non-rotating) night shift. See our shift loadings guide.
What is the minimum shift in manufacturing?
4 hours for part-time and casual employees under MA000010. A shorter roster still attracts the 4-hour minimum payment.
How do I calculate a Manufacturing Award rate?
Fitz HR calculates the exact MA000010 rate for any C-level, shift and day. See the pay rates page or ask Fitz free.

Get Manufacturing Award Rates Right — Instantly

Stop guessing. Fitz HR answers any Manufacturing Award question — pay rates, penalties, allowances, compliance — grounded in the current Pay Guide MA000010.

Ask Fitz Free — No Card Required →

Related Questions

Manufacturing Award question? Ask Fitz — get an instant accurate answer →

Manufacturing Award Rates 2026 — C-Level Pay Rates — FAQ

What is the C10 rate under the Manufacturing Award in 2026? C10 is the trade level. Rates rise from C14 at $25.74/hr full-time up through the C-levels — see the classification table above, or the full Manufacturing Award pay rates.

What are the weekend penalty rates in manufacturing? Saturday is 150%, Sunday 200% and public holidays 250% of the ordinary rate under MA000010. Casual employees also receive the 25% casual loading.

What is the afternoon shift loading in manufacturing? 15% on the ordinary rate for afternoon and night shifts, and 30% for a permanent (non-rotating) night shift. See our shift loadings guide.

What is the minimum shift in manufacturing? 4 hours for part-time and casual employees under MA000010. A shorter roster still attracts the 4-hour minimum payment.

How do I calculate a Manufacturing Award rate? Fitz HR calculates the exact MA000010 rate for any C-level, shift and day. See the pay rates page or ask Fitz free.