Electrical Award pay guide 2026/2027
A simple, practical guide for electrical and communications contractors
Updated • FY2026/27 rates — effective the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026
Written by
Steve Harris
Summarise with AI
This guide provides general information about the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 [MA000025] and related Australian workplace laws as at the date of publication.
It does not constitute legal, financial, payroll or employment advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Pay rates, penalty rates and allowance amounts under modern awards change periodically, particularly following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review. The rates in this guide are all-purpose — grades 1–4 include the industry allowance and grades 5–10 include the industry and tool allowances (licensed electricians attract an additional electrician’s licence allowance). This guide includes indicative minimum figures based on rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Employers must always check the current Fair Work pay guide before setting or paying wages.
The Electrical Award covers electrical contracting. General manufacturing electricians may fall under the Manufacturing Award and plumbers under the Plumbing Award. Always confirm award coverage (e.g. using Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT)).
If you need award-specific guidance, see:
Looking for MA000025?
This is it. MA000025 is the official Fair Work code for the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020. This guide covers its pay rates, classifications, penalties and compliance for 2026/27.
View official MA000025 on Fair Work →Award rate calculator
See how RosterElf interprets the Electrical Award
This is an educational example showing how the Electrical Award penalty rates work. It demonstrates how RosterElf automatically calculates correct pay rates based on classification level, employment type, and shift times.
Award penalty rates
Example weekly cost (38 hours)
Example only - not for payroll use
This is a demonstration of how RosterElf calculates award-compliant rates.
The actual cost for your employees will depend on:
- Their specific classification level and employment type
- Actual hours worked and shift times
- Any additional allowances, overtime, or enterprise agreement provisions
- Current award rates (which change annually in July)
For accurate payroll calculations, always:
- Verify current rates with the official Fair Work pay guide
- Confirm your employees' correct award coverage and classification
- Use award interpretation software or consult a payroll professional
- Review your specific enterprise agreement (if applicable)
Do not rely on this example for actual wage payments.
Stop calculating penalty rates manually
Let RosterElf handle award compliance automatically
Manual award calculations are time-consuming and error-prone. One mistake can lead to underpayments, compliance issues, and Fair Work penalties. RosterElf's award interpretation engine does the work for you.
How RosterElf automates award calculations
Create pay templates
Create pay templates for each classification level with award-compliant base rates and penalty multipliers. RosterElf applies the correct template to each shift automatically.
Award interpretation →Define rate rules
Configure when different penalty rates apply (evenings, weekends, public holidays). The system detects which rate to use based on shift times and days.
Penalty rates guide →Auto-apply to shifts
Every rostered shift calculates the correct pay rate based on the employee's classification, employment type, and shift timing. No manual work required.
Payroll integration →Quick casual pay rates reference 2026/27
Casual rates for ordinary weekday hours (all-purpose, including the industry allowance and — for grades 5+ — the tool allowance), generated from the current Fair Work pay guide:
FY2026/27 rates are in effect
All modern award rates rose 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, and the national minimum wage is now $26.44/hr. The rates below and in the calculator reflect the current Fair Work pay guide.
Casual hourly rates 2026/27 (all-purpose, ordinary weekday hours)
| Level | Example roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Entry-level / labourer (incl. industry allowance) | $34.41 |
| Grade 2 | Basic electrical duties (incl. industry allowance) | $34.69 |
| Grade 3 | Semi-skilled (incl. industry allowance) | $35.80 |
| Grade 4 | Advanced semi-skilled (incl. industry allowance) | $36.91 |
| Grade 5 | Qualified electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $38.91 |
| Grade 6 | Electrician + post-trade (incl. industry + tool) | $40.06 |
| Grade 7 | Advanced electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $42.26 |
| Grade 8 | Special-class electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $44.30 |
| Grade 9 | Senior special-class (incl. industry + tool) | $45.18 |
| Grade 10 | Technician / supervisor (incl. industry + tool) | $48.64 |
Weekend and public holiday work is paid at overtime rates
Electrical workers’ ordinary hours are Monday–Friday. Saturday work is overtime (time-and-a-half for the first 2 hours, then double time), Sunday is double time (200%) and public holidays are 250%. Shiftwork attracts separate loadings. Casual rates are higher again. Use the calculator for the standard figures.
Quick summary for time-poor employers
Important: The rates here are all-purpose (they bundle the industry allowance, and tool allowance for grades 5+). Licensed electricians also receive an electrician’s licence allowance. Confirm which allowances apply before paying (see the disclaimer above).
If you only skim one section, make it this one:
- The Electrical Award [MA000025] covers electrical contracting, with electrical worker grades 1–10 (grade 5 is the qualified-electrician trade rate).
- Minimums are reviewed each July. The FY2026/27 pay guide took effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, lifting all rates by 4.75%.
- Example 2026/27 all-purpose adult pay:
- Grade 1: full-time/part-time $27.53/hr, casual $34.41/hr.
- Grade 5 (electrician): full-time/part-time $31.13/hr, casual $38.91/hr.
- Ordinary hours are Mon–Fri; Saturday is overtime (1.5× then 2×), Sunday 2×, public holidays 2.5×.
- Apprentice and shiftwork rates apply separately.
- Get grade, allowances, employment type and shift type right for every employee.
Bottom line: with all-purpose allowances, overtime-based weekends and apprentice scales, manual calculation is error-prone — check your underpayment risk. Award-aware rostering software with award interpretation keeps it correct automatically.
Who the award covers (and who it doesn't)
The Electrical Award covers employers and employees in the electrical, electronic and communications contracting industry — electrical installation, maintenance, data and communications cabling and related work. Employees are classified into electrical worker grades 1–10, with grade 5 the qualified-electrician trade rate.
Important — who’s covered by other awards: electricians employed in general manufacturing may fall under the Manufacturing Award; plumbers/gasfitters under the Plumbing Award. Confirm coverage with Fair Work’s PACT tool before applying rates.
2026/27 pay rates overview: what you must pay
A snapshot of the current FY2026/27 all-purpose rates, generated from the same data that powers the calculator above. Grades 1–4 include the industry allowance; grades 5–10 include the industry and tool allowances.
What changed from 2025/26
The FY2026/27 Annual Wage Review lifted all modern award minimum rates by 4.75%. For this award, for example: grade 1 is now $27.53/hr and grade 5 (electrician) is $31.13/hr (all-purpose, full-time/part-time). Penalty, allowance and casual rates rose proportionally. Always confirm against the current pay guide.
Adult – full-time & part-time
All-purpose ordinary weekday rates for grades 1–10:
| Level | Example roles | Weekly pay | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Entry-level / labourer (incl. industry allowance) | $1,046.31 | $27.53 |
| Grade 2 | Basic electrical duties (incl. industry allowance) | $1,054.51 | $27.75 |
| Grade 3 | Semi-skilled (incl. industry allowance) | $1,088.31 | $28.64 |
| Grade 4 | Advanced semi-skilled (incl. industry allowance) | $1,122.01 | $29.53 |
| Grade 5 | Qualified electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $1,182.82 | $31.13 |
| Grade 6 | Electrician + post-trade (incl. industry + tool) | $1,218.02 | $32.05 |
| Grade 7 | Advanced electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $1,284.82 | $33.81 |
| Grade 8 | Special-class electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $1,346.82 | $35.44 |
| Grade 9 | Senior special-class (incl. industry + tool) | $1,373.22 | $36.14 |
| Grade 10 | Technician / supervisor (incl. industry + tool) | $1,478.72 | $38.91 |
All-purpose: grades 1–4 include the industry allowance; grades 5–10 include the industry and tool allowances. Licensed electricians attract an additional licence allowance.
Adult – casual
Casuals receive the same all-purpose rate plus a 25% loading. Ordinary weekday casual rates:
| Level | Example roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Entry-level / labourer (incl. industry allowance) | $34.41 |
| Grade 2 | Basic electrical duties (incl. industry allowance) | $34.69 |
| Grade 3 | Semi-skilled (incl. industry allowance) | $35.80 |
| Grade 4 | Advanced semi-skilled (incl. industry allowance) | $36.91 |
| Grade 5 | Qualified electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $38.91 |
| Grade 6 | Electrician + post-trade (incl. industry + tool) | $40.06 |
| Grade 7 | Advanced electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $42.26 |
| Grade 8 | Special-class electrician (incl. industry + tool) | $44.30 |
| Grade 9 | Senior special-class (incl. industry + tool) | $45.18 |
| Grade 10 | Technician / supervisor (incl. industry + tool) | $48.64 |
Casual rates shown are the ordinary weekday rate (all-purpose base + 25% loading). Overtime, Sunday and public-holiday rates apply on top — use the calculator above.
How to classify your staff
Classification follows skills, qualifications and licensing:
- Grades 1–4 cover entry-level and semi-skilled electrical workers (with the industry allowance).
- Grade 5 is the qualified-electrician trade rate; grades 6–10 cover post-trade, special-class, technician and supervisory roles (with industry and tool allowances).
- Licensed electricians also receive an electrician’s licence allowance, already built into the all-purpose rate.
- Apprentices are paid stage/year-based rates with their own licence-allowance components.
Write each employee’s grade, licensing and employment type into your payroll/rostering system. If unsure, confirm the right level.
Overtime, weekends & shiftwork
Electrical workers’ ordinary hours are Monday–Friday; weekend work is paid at overtime rates (on the all-purpose rate):
- Saturday (overtime): time-and-a-half (150%) for the first 2 hours, then double time (200%).
- Sunday: double time (200%).
- Public holiday: 250%.
- Shiftwork loadings apply for afternoon, night and permanent-night shifts, and for work on a rostered day off (separate from the calculator above).
- Living-away and travel allowances apply for distant work.
The calculator above covers ordinary hours, Saturday (first 2 hours overtime), Sunday and public-holiday rates. For shiftwork, later overtime hours and travel, use Fair Work’s PACT tool or award-interpreting software.
Stop calculating overtime and allowances by hand
RosterElf's award interpretation engine applies Electrical Award overtime, weekend, public-holiday and shift rates automatically from each shift's times.
See award interpretationFull-time vs part-time vs casual
Full-time & part-time
- Full-time is around 38 hours per week, ongoing; part-time has a regular agreed pattern.
- Both receive paid annual and personal/carer’s leave (pro-rata for part-time) and other NES entitlements. Part-time hours should be agreed in writing.
Casual
- Paid a 25% casual loading on the all-purpose rate instead of paid leave, with a minimum engagement per shift.
- Casual overtime, Sunday and public-holiday rates are higher than the permanent rates — the penalty applies to the loaded casual rate.
Casuals working regular, ongoing hours may be eligible for casual conversion to permanent employment.
Allowances
The Electrical Award has several all-purpose allowances that are built into the rates above:
- Industry allowance – included in all grades.
- Tool allowance – included in grade 5+ rates.
- Electrician’s licence allowance – about $40.29/week, included for licensed electricians.
Other allowances apply separately, including first aid (about $23.50/week), leading hand (from about $48.12/week), overtime meal (about $20.60/meal) and travel/living-away allowances. Exact amounts update each pay guide — see the Fair Work pay guide.
Step-by-step compliance plan
- Confirm the award applies (electrical contracting; not manufacturing or plumbing).
- Download the latest pay guide (FY2026/27).
- Classify each employee by grade, licensing and apprentice stage.
- Set all-purpose rates (industry/tool/licence allowances) and apply overtime, Sunday, public-holiday and shift rates.
- Use award-interpreting software so overtime and allowances are calculated automatically, and keep records for 7 years.
Final takeaways
- Grades 1–10, with grade 5 the qualified-electrician trade rate.
- Rates are all-purpose — they bundle industry (and tool, for grade 5+) allowances.
- Ordinary hours are Mon–Fri; Saturday is overtime, Sunday 2×, public holidays 2.5×.
- Apprentice and shiftwork rates are separate.
- Update every July and keep good records.
For official guidance, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Industries using this award
Explore rostering solutions for businesses covered by the Electrical Award
Run the Electrical Award on autopilot
RosterElf builds the award rules into your rosters, timesheets and payroll.
Award interpretation
Automatically applies overtime, Sunday, public-holiday and shift rates from shift times.
Rostering software
Build award-aware rosters in minutes with live wage cost and compliance warnings.
Time & attendance
Capture exact start and finish times with GPS clock-in across job sites.
Payroll integration
Send award-interpreted timesheets straight to Xero, MYOB and other payroll systems.
Electrical Award knowledge base
Step-by-step help for applying the award inside RosterElf.
Related award rate guides
Explore other Australian Modern Award pay rate guides
Stop calculating the Electrical Award by hand
RosterElf applies Electrical Award (MA000025) overtime, weekend, public holiday and shift rates automatically based on shift times.
Electrical Award FAQ
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The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (MA000025) covers the electrical contracting industry — electrical installation, maintenance, and data/communications cabling. Employees are classified into electrical worker grades 1–10, with grade 5 the qualified-electrician trade rate. Electricians employed in general manufacturing may instead be covered by the Manufacturing Award.
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The rates in this guide already include certain all-purpose allowances that are paid for all hours worked: the industry allowance (all grades), the tool allowance (grades 5+), and — for licensed electricians — the electrician’s licence allowance (about $40.29/week). Because they’re all-purpose, they also form the base for overtime and penalty calculations. Always check which allowances apply to each employee.
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Apprentices are paid stage/year-based percentages that increase each year, with their own electrician’s licence-allowance components in later years. The rates differ for junior vs adult apprentices and depending on when the apprenticeship started. Use the Fair Work pay guide or PACT for the exact apprentice rates.