Cotton Ginning 2025 Pay Rates (MA000024)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Cotton Ginning covers employees working in cotton ginning operations, including gin operators, cotton classers, bale press operators, and general labourers at cotton gins. If you work at a cotton gin processing raw cotton into bales, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 2,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover cotton farm workers (Pastoral Award, MA000035), cotton transport workers (Road Transport and Distribution Award, MA000038), or textile manufacturing workers (Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Associated Industries Award, MA000017). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from general labourer through to experienced gin operator, cotton classer, and gin supervisor. The skill levels reflect the technical knowledge required to operate ginning machinery and assess cotton quality.

Key features of this award

Cotton ginning is highly seasonal, with peak activity during and after the cotton harvest (typically March to August in Australia). Many workers are employed on a seasonal basis, and the award includes provisions for night work given that gins often operate extended hours during peak season.

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 MA000024 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 MA000024. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 250% 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 MA000024:

• Monday to Saturday – after 2 hours
• Monday to Saturday – first 2 hours
• Night work (Monday - Friday)
• Night work (Monday – Friday)
• Ordinary hours
• Public holiday
• Public holiday – all day
• Sunday – all day

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 MA000024 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 MA000024 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 250%)
• 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 MA000024 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is cotton ginning seasonal work?

Yes, cotton ginning is predominantly seasonal, peaking during and after harvest. However, the award applies year-round to employees performing ginning work.

2. Do I get night work penalties at the gin?

Yes, the award provides penalty rates for night work performed Monday to Friday, reflecting the extended operating hours common during the ginning season.

3. Are maintenance workers at cotton gins covered?

Employees performing maintenance work at cotton gins as part of the ginning operation are generally covered by this award.

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 MA000024. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in cotton ginning 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 days and times you work.

Schema Markup Suggestions

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Table Schema (Dataset)

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• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for employees in cotton ginning operations under the Cotton Ginning"
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• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Cotton Ginning (MA000024)

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.