Electrical Power Industry Award 2025 Pay Rates (MA000088)
Plain-English Summary
Who does this award cover?
The Electrical Power Industry Award covers employees working in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power across Australia. This includes power station operators, linespeople, cable jointers, electrical fitters, meter readers, substation operators, control room operators, and technical staff employed by electricity generators, network businesses, and distribution companies. If you work at a power station, on transmission lines, in a substation, or for an electricity distribution network, this award likely applies to you.
The award does NOT cover employees of retail electricity companies (billing and customer service -- typically covered by the Clerks Award or enterprise agreements), or employees of renewable energy contractors working on construction projects (covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award).
How classification levels work
Classification levels range from Level 1 (entry-level labouring, basic maintenance) through to higher levels covering qualified tradespeople (electricians, linespeople, cable jointers), power station operators, control room staff, and senior technical specialists. Your classification depends on your trade qualifications, licensed competencies, and the complexity of your role.
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. The electricity supply industry operates 24/7, so shiftwork and associated penalties are common.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | General labourer, yard hand, stores assistant | $978.20 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| Level 2 | Experienced labourer, meter reader, trades assistant | $1,009.60 | $26.57 | $33.21 |
| Level 3 | Qualified tradesperson, linesperson, cable jointer | $1,058.60 | $27.86 | $34.83 |
| Level 4 | Power station operator, substation technician | $1,098.40 | $28.91 | $36.14 |
| Level 5 | Senior linesperson, control room operator | $1,139.20 | $29.98 | $37.48 |
| Level 6 | Senior operator, technical specialist, leading hand | $1,190.40 | $31.33 | $39.16 |
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 Employees (Day Workers and Non-Continuous Shiftworkers)
| When you work | Penalty | Level 3 example |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (ordinary hours) | Base rate (100%) | $27.86/hr |
| Saturday | 150% | $41.79/hr |
| Sunday | 200% | $55.72/hr |
| Public holiday | 250% | $69.65/hr |
| Overtime -- first 2 hours (Mon-Sat) | 150% | $41.79/hr |
| Overtime -- after 2 hours (Mon-Sat) | 200% | $55.72/hr |
Shiftworkers
| When you work | Penalty | Level 3 example |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | Base rate (100%) | $27.86/hr |
| Afternoon shift | 115% | $32.04/hr |
| Night shift | 125% | $34.83/hr |
| Permanent night shift | 130% | $36.22/hr |
| Continuous shiftworkers -- Saturday (all hours) | 150% | $41.79/hr |
| All employees -- Sunday | 200% | $55.72/hr |
| All employees -- public holiday | 250% | $69.65/hr |
Casual Employees
| When you work | Penalty (on base rate) | Level 3 example |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (ordinary hours) | 125% (casual loading) | $34.83/hr |
| Saturday | 175% | $48.76/hr |
| Sunday | 225% | $62.69/hr |
| Public holiday | 275% | $76.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the ordinary hours for power industry workers?
Ordinary hours are 38 per week or an average of 38 per week over a roster cycle. For day workers, the standard span is 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. Power stations and network control rooms operate 24/7, so shiftworkers have ordinary hours rostered across all days and times with applicable shift penalties for afternoon, night, and weekend work.
2. Do linespeople get paid extra for call-out work?
Yes. Linespeople who are called out outside their ordinary hours to attend to faults (such as storm damage or power outages) are paid at overtime rates -- 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% thereafter. They also receive a minimum payment of 4 hours at the applicable overtime rate per call-out, even if the actual work takes less time. Additional allowances may apply for working at heights and in adverse conditions.
3. What is the difference between continuous and non-continuous shiftworkers?
Continuous shiftworkers work shifts that cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- common in power stations and control rooms. Non-continuous shiftworkers work shifts that do not cover all 7 days (for example, Monday to Friday afternoon shifts). The penalty rate structures are slightly different: continuous shiftworkers receive Saturday penalties at 150% for all hours, while non-continuous shiftworkers receive overtime at 150% for the first 2 hours on Saturday.
4. Are power station operators classified higher than linespeople?
It depends on their specific classification level. Qualified linespeople are typically classified at Level 3, the same as qualified tradespersons. Power station operators may be classified at Level 4 or above depending on the complexity of the plant they operate. Control room operators who manage the electricity grid are generally classified at Level 5 or higher.
5. What is the minimum engagement for casual power industry workers?
Casual employees must be engaged for a minimum of 4 consecutive hours per shift. At Level 3 casual rate ($34.83/hr), the minimum payment for any casual shift is $139.32 gross. Casual call-outs also attract the 4-hour minimum at the applicable overtime rate.
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, shift type, and employment status.
Enter your details and get an instant breakdown of what you should be earning -- including shift penalties, overtime, and call-out rates. Every result cites the specific award clause so you can verify it yourself.
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Home > Awards > Electrical Power Industry Award (MA000088)
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.