Fire Fighting Industry 2025 Pay Rates (MA000111)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Fire Fighting Industry covers firefighters employed in the fire fighting industry, including both private sector fire service employees and public sector fire service employees. If you work as a firefighter, fire officer, or fire service communications operator, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 15,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover volunteer firefighters (who are not employees), general emergency services workers not in fire fighting, or building fire safety consultants. See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

The award has separate provisions for private sector and public sector employees. Private sector employees have day work and shiftwork provisions, while public sector employees have their own rate and overtime structures.

Key features of this award

Fire fighting involves 24/7 coverage through shiftwork. The award distinguishes between private and public sector employees, with different overtime and penalty structures. Shiftwork rates apply to fire service shift patterns.

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 MA000111 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 MA000111. 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 MA000111:

• Day work - Monday to Sunday
• Day work - Public holiday
• Day work - Saturday
• Day work - Sunday
• Minimum hourly rate
• Ordinary hourly rate
• Overtime
• Shiftwork
• Shiftwork - all overtime

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 4 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000111 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 4 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 MA000111 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 MA000111 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this award cover private fire services?

Yes, the award covers both private sector fire services (such as industrial fire brigades at mines and refineries) and public sector fire services.

2. What about fire communications operators?

Yes, fire service communications (dispatch) operators are covered by this award.

3. How does overtime work for firefighters?

Private sector firefighters have specific overtime rates for day work and shiftwork. Public sector firefighters have their own overtime structure.

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

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 4 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 MA000111. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in fire fighting and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select whether you are private or public sector, your classification, and the hours you work.

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Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Fire Fighting Industry (MA000111)

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.