Hydrocarbons Field Geologists 2025 Pay Rates (MA000064)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Hydrocarbons Field Geologists covers field geologists employed in hydrocarbon (oil and gas) exploration, including wellsite geologists, mudloggers, and geological field officers. If you work as a geologist at wellsites or in the field for oil and gas exploration, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 1,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover general mining geologists (Mining Industry Award, MA000011), upstream oil and gas production workers (Hydrocarbons Industry (Upstream) Award, MA000062), or office-based geologists (Professional Employees Award, MA000065). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover field geologist roles based on qualifications and experience. The award has a straightforward structure reflecting the specialised nature of the work.

Key features of this award

Field geologists work at remote wellsites, often on FIFO rosters. The award provides casual employee rates that include loadings for the nature of the work.

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 MA000064 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 MA000064. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 100% 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 MA000064:

• Casual employees

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 N/A (field-based)-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000064 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x N/A (field-based) 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 MA000064 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 100%)
• 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 MA000064 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this award apply to FIFO geologists?

Yes, field geologists working on FIFO rosters at wellsites are covered, provided they are employees rather than independent contractors.

2. What about geologists who work in both the office and the field?

The award specifically covers field work. If your role is primarily office-based, the Professional Employees Award may apply instead.

3. Are mudloggers covered?

Yes, mudloggers working at wellsites as part of hydrocarbon exploration are covered by this award.

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

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is N/A (field-based) 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 MA000064. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in oil and gas exploration and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification level and employment type.

Schema Markup Suggestions

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Table Schema (Dataset)

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• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for field geologists in hydrocarbon exploration under the Hydrocarbons Field Geologists"
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• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Hydrocarbons Field Geologists (MA000064)

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.