Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award 2025 Pay Rates (MA000110)
Plain-English Summary
Who does this award cover?
The Corrections and Detention (Private Sector) Award covers employees working in privately operated prisons, correctional centres, and immigration detention facilities across Australia. This includes corrections officers (custodial officers), case managers, program facilitators, detention centre staff, catering employees, administrative staff, and operational support workers employed by private prison operators such as Serco, GEO Group, and G4S.
The award covers two main streams: corrections and detention services employees (those directly involved in the security, supervision, and case management of detainees or prisoners) and catering employees (those preparing and serving food within correctional and detention facilities).
The award does NOT cover employees of government-operated prisons or detention centres (covered by state public sector awards and agreements), or police or law enforcement officers.
How classification levels work
Classification levels are based on the nature of your role and responsibilities. Corrections and detention services employees range from entry-level custodial officers through to senior officers, case managers, and operational supervisors. Catering employees have a separate classification stream from basic kitchen hand through to qualified chef. Your classification is determined by your actual duties and qualifications.
What about part-time and casual workers?
Part-time employees receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees on a pro-rata basis. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. Correctional facilities operate 24/7, so shift penalties and weekend loadings are a significant component of total pay.
Classification Levels and Base Rates
All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.
| Level | Typical Duties | Weekly Rate | Hourly Rate | Casual Rate (incl. 25% loading) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Level 1 | Entry-level custodial officer, gate officer | $978.20 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| Corrections Level 2 | Corrections officer, unit officer, escort officer | $1,035.80 | $27.26 | $34.08 |
| Corrections Level 3 | Senior officer, case manager, programs facilitator | $1,073.20 | $28.24 | $35.30 |
| Corrections Level 4 | Supervisor, operations manager, senior case manager | $1,127.00 | $29.66 | $37.08 |
| Corrections Level 5 | Centre manager, senior operations manager | $1,190.40 | $31.33 | $39.16 |
| Catering Level 1 | Kitchen hand, food service assistant | $940.00 | $24.74 | $30.93 |
| Catering Level 2 | Cook (not qualified), experienced kitchen hand | $985.60 | $25.94 | $32.43 |
| Catering Level 3 | Qualified cook, chef | $1,058.60 | $27.86 | $34.83 |
| Catering Level 4 | Head chef, catering supervisor | $1,098.40 | $28.91 | $36.14 |
Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.
Penalty Rates
All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.
Full-Time and Part-Time Corrections and Detention Employees
| When you work | Penalty | Corrections L2 example |
|---|---|---|
| Day span (ordinary hours) | Base rate (100%) | $27.26/hr |
| Night span | 115% | $31.35/hr |
| Permanent night span | 125% | $34.08/hr |
| Saturday span | 150% | $40.89/hr |
| Sunday span | 200% | $54.52/hr |
| Public holiday span | 250% | $68.15/hr |
| Overtime -- first 3 hours (Mon-Sat) | 150% | $40.89/hr |
| Overtime -- after 3 hours (Mon-Sat) | 200% | $54.52/hr |
Full-Time and Part-Time Catering Employees
| When you work | Penalty | Catering L2 example |
|---|---|---|
| Day span (ordinary hours) | Base rate (100%) | $25.94/hr |
| Night span | 115% | $29.83/hr |
| Permanent night span | 125% | $32.43/hr |
| Saturday span | 150% | $38.91/hr |
| Sunday span | 200% | $51.88/hr |
| Public holiday span | 250% | $64.85/hr |
| Overtime -- first 3 hours (Mon-Sat) | 150% | $38.91/hr |
| Overtime -- after 3 hours (Mon-Sat) | 200% | $51.88/hr |
Casual Employees (All Streams)
| When you work | Penalty (on base rate) | Corrections L2 example |
|---|---|---|
| Day span (ordinary hours) | 125% (casual loading) | $34.08/hr |
| Saturday span | 175% | $47.71/hr |
| Sunday span | 225% | $61.34/hr |
| Public holiday span | 275% | $74.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the ordinary hours for corrections officers?
Ordinary hours are 38 per week or an average of 38 per week over a roster cycle. Correctional facilities operate 24/7, so ordinary hours are rostered across all days and times. The award uses the concept of "spans" rather than fixed shifts -- a day span, night span, Saturday span, Sunday span, and public holiday span -- each with its own penalty rate. Most corrections officers work 12-hour rotating shifts.
2. What is the difference between night span and permanent night span?
Night span applies to employees who work night shifts on a rotating roster (alternating between day and night shifts). The penalty is 115% of the base rate. Permanent night span applies to employees who are permanently rostered on night shifts and do not rotate to day shifts. The penalty is higher at 125%, reflecting the greater health and social impact of permanent night work.
3. Do catering staff in prisons get the same penalty rates as corrections officers?
Catering staff receive the same penalty rate percentages (115% night, 150% Saturday, 200% Sunday, 250% public holiday), but their base rates are lower because the catering classification stream starts at a lower level. A Catering Level 2 employee earns $25.94/hr base compared to a Corrections Level 2 employee who earns $27.26/hr base.
4. Are detention centre staff classified the same as prison staff?
Yes. The award covers both correctional facilities (prisons) and immigration detention centres under the same classification structure. A detention centre custody officer is classified at the same level as a corrections officer performing equivalent duties. The location of the facility (prison versus detention centre) does not affect the classification or pay rate.
5. What is the minimum engagement for casual corrections staff?
Casual employees must be engaged for a minimum of 4 consecutive hours per shift. At Corrections Level 2 casual rate ($34.08/hr), the minimum payment for any casual shift is $136.32 gross. In practice, most casual corrections and detention staff are engaged for full 8-hour or 12-hour shifts due to the operational requirements of facilities.
Check Your Rate
Not sure if you are being paid correctly? Use our free pay rate calculator to check your exact rate based on your classification level, employment stream, and shift pattern.
Enter your details and get an instant breakdown of what you should be earning -- including shift span penalties, overtime, and casual loading. Every result cites the specific award clause so you can verify it yourself.
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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.