Book Industry 2025 Pay Rates (MA000078)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Book Industry covers employees in the book industry, including book publishers, book distributors, book printers, and bookshop employees. If you work in publishing, distributing, or selling books (excluding general retail), this award applies to you. It covers approximately 5,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover newspaper and magazine workers (Journalists Published Media Award, MA000067), general retail staff in bookshops that are part of larger retail chains (General Retail Industry Award, MA000004), or printing industry workers covered by specific printing awards. See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from entry-level book industry worker through to experienced editor, publisher, and manager. The structure reflects the range of roles in publishing, distribution, and specialist retail.

Key features of this award

The Book Industry Award has a relatively simple overtime structure, with rates for the first 8 hours and after 8 hours of overtime. The maximum penalty rate is 200%.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.

Refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000078 for current dollar amounts for each classification level. Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.

Penalty Rates

Penalty rate multipliers from the Fair Work Commission penalty rate schedule for MA000078. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 200% depending on when and how you work.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Casual Employees

Penalty rate categories in this award

The following penalty rate descriptions apply under MA000078:

• After 8 hours of overtime
• First 8 hours of overtime
• Ordinary hours

Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. Refer to the specific award clauses for exact percentages applicable to each classification level and employment type.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual worker on a Sunday

A casual employee working a 3 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000078 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 3 hours hours
• Clause reference: refer to casual penalty rates clause

Example 2: Full-time worker on a public holiday

A full-time employee working an 8-hour public holiday shift.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000078 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 200%)
• Total: public holiday rate x 8 hours
• Clause reference: refer to public holiday clause

Example 3: Part-time worker with overtime

A part-time employee who works 2 hours beyond their rostered hours on a weekday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000078 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this award cover bookshop staff?

Yes, employees at specialist bookshops are covered. Staff at bookshops that are part of general retail chains may be covered by the General Retail Industry Award instead.

2. What about e-book publishers?

Employees of book publishing companies, including those working on digital and e-book publishing, are covered by this award.

3. Are book warehouse workers covered?

Yes, employees in book distribution warehouses and fulfilment centres are covered.

4. What is the minimum shift length under this award?

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 3 hours per shift. Even if you are sent home early, you must be paid for the minimum shift length.

5. How do I check my exact pay rate?

Use our free calculator or refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000078. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in book publishing and distribution and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification level, employment type, and the hours you work.

Schema Markup Suggestions

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• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Book Industry (MA000078)

Rates current as of 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission, CC BY 4.0. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Always verify rates against the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) at calculate.fairwork.gov.au.