Hydrocarbons Industry (Upstream) Award 2025 Pay Rates (MA000062)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Hydrocarbons Industry (Upstream) Award covers employees working in the exploration, extraction, production, and initial processing of oil, natural gas, coal seam gas, and other hydrocarbons. If you work as a drill operator, wellsite hand, production technician, process operator, pipeline worker, instrument technician, or maintenance fitter on an oil or gas field, platform, or processing facility, this award applies to you. It covers roughly 15,000 workers across Australia's onshore and offshore oil and gas operations.

This award does NOT cover employees in oil refining and downstream processing (Oil Refining and Manufacturing Award, MA000072), employees in petrol station retail (General Retail Award, MA000004), or employees in coal mining (Black Coal Mining Award, MA000001). The key test is whether your employer's primary business is upstream hydrocarbon operations (exploration and production), not downstream (refining and distribution). See clause 4 for coverage terms.

How classification levels work

The award has a seven-level classification structure (clause 14 and Schedule A). Level 1 covers entry-level roustabouts and general hands performing basic tasks under direct supervision. Level 2 covers experienced operators who can work independently on routine tasks. Level 3 covers qualified tradespersons and experienced production operators. Level 4 covers senior operators, team leaders, and specialist technicians. Level 5 covers supervisors and advanced technical specialists. Levels 6 and 7 cover senior supervisory and specialist engineering support roles.

FIFO rosters and continuous shiftwork

Many upstream hydrocarbon operations use fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) rosters, typically working 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off or similar swing rosters. The award accommodates these arrangements with continuous shiftworker provisions. Continuous shiftworkers receive a flat shift loading on all hours Monday to Sunday, with specific overtime arrangements for work outside rostered hours. Afternoon, night, and permanent night shift loadings apply for non-continuous operations.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.

Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38 (clause 13.1). Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25 (clause 11.1).

Penalty Rates

All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate (clause 24 and clause 25).

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees (Non-Shiftworkers)

Shiftworkers (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Casual Employees

Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. See clause 24.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual roustabout on a Sunday shift

Jake is a casual Level 1 roustabout who works a 12-hour Sunday shift on an onshore gas field.

• Base rate: $24.73/hr
• Sunday casual rate: 225% = $24.73 x 2.25 = $55.64/hr
• Total for 12 hours: $667.68 gross
• Clause reference: clause 24.4

Example 2: Full-time continuous shiftworker on a FIFO roster

Tanya is a permanent Level 3 production operator on a 2-weeks-on/2-weeks-off FIFO roster, classified as a continuous shiftworker, working 12-hour shifts.

• Base rate: $27.90/hr
• Continuous shift rate: 125% = $27.90 x 1.25 = $34.88/hr
• Total per 12-hour shift: $418.56 gross
• Over a 14-day swing (14 x 12-hour shifts): $5,859.84 gross
• Clause reference: clause 24.3

Example 3: Part-time tradesperson on a public holiday

Neil is a part-time Level 3 fitter who works a 10-hour public holiday shift during a scheduled maintenance shutdown.

• Base rate: $27.90/hr
• Public holiday rate: 250% = $27.90 x 2.50 = $69.75/hr
• Total for 10 hours: $697.50 gross
• Clause reference: clause 25.3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum shift length for upstream oil and gas workers?

Casual and part-time employees must be engaged for a minimum of 4 hours per shift (clause 11.2). In practice, most upstream operations run 12-hour shifts due to the remote location of oil and gas facilities. At the Level 1 casual rate ($30.91/hr), the minimum payment for a 4-hour shift is $123.64 gross.

2. How does FIFO roster pay work under this award?

FIFO workers on swing rosters (e.g., 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off) are typically classified as continuous shiftworkers and receive a 25% loading on all ordinary hours (clause 24.3). During their off-swing, they are not paid wages but may receive accrued leave entitlements. The continuous shift loading compensates for working all days of the week during the on-swing, including weekends.

3. Do I get a remote location allowance for working on a gas field?

Yes. Employees who work in remote or isolated locations are entitled to a district allowance or remote location allowance (clause 19). FIFO workers may also receive travel allowances, camp allowances, and provision of accommodation and meals. The specific allowances depend on the remoteness of the location and whether camp accommodation is provided.

4. I work on an offshore oil platform. Am I under this award?

If you are employed in an upstream oil and gas operation (exploration and production) and work on an offshore platform within Australian waters, you are likely covered by this award. Offshore employees may also be subject to specific provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act. If you work for a maritime crew operating the supply vessel (not the platform itself), a maritime award may apply instead.

5. Are there special safety-related allowances?

Yes. The award includes allowances for working in hazardous conditions, handling dangerous substances, and performing confined space work (clause 19). The oil and gas industry has inherent hazards including H2S gas exposure, high-pressure systems, and explosive atmospheres. Disability and safety allowances are paid per hour in addition to the base rate.

Check Your Rate

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

Check your pay rate now

Enter your classification level, employment type, shift pattern (including continuous shift and FIFO), and the day you work. The calculator handles continuous shift loadings, weekend penalties, and overtime -- all with clause references so you can verify every number.

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Home > Awards > Hydrocarbons Industry (Upstream) Award (MA000062)

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.