Miscellaneous Award 2025 Pay Rates (MA000104)
Plain-English Summary
Who does this award cover?
The Miscellaneous Award is the catch-all modern award. It covers employees who are not covered by any other modern award and who are not award-free. If you perform a role that does not fit neatly into an industry-specific or occupation-specific award, the Miscellaneous Award is your safety net. Common roles include general hands, handypersons, caretakers, crossing supervisors, car park attendants (not in a hospitality or retail venue), swimming pool attendants, and other miscellaneous roles. It covers roughly 50,000 workers across a wide range of small and medium employers.
This award does NOT cover employees who are properly covered by another modern award (always check the specific industry award first), managers and professionals earning above the high-income threshold, or independent contractors. The Miscellaneous Award only applies when no other award covers the employee's work. See clause 4.1 for coverage terms.
How classification levels work
The award has four classification levels (clause 14 and Schedule A). Level 1 covers entry-level employees performing routine duties under direct supervision with minimal training. Level 2 covers employees who have developed competency in their role and work with limited supervision. Level 3 covers experienced employees who exercise initiative and judgement, and may supervise Level 1 or 2 employees. Level 4 covers employees performing complex duties requiring significant skill, operating under broad direction, and supervising others.
Junior and apprentice rates
Junior employees (under 21) are paid a percentage of the adult rate based on their age (clause 15). The award also has specific rates for adult apprentices who commenced their apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2014, and for junior apprentices. Apprentice rates are based on year of apprenticeship rather than classification level.
Classification Levels and Base Rates
All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.
Adult Employees
| Level | Typical Duties (Schedule A) | Weekly Rate | Hourly Rate | Casual Rate (incl. 25% loading) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | General hand, routine duties under direct supervision, cleaning, basic labouring | $939.50 | $24.73 | $30.91 |
| Level 2 | Competent worker, limited supervision, caretaker, crossing supervisor | $968.60 | $25.49 | $31.86 |
| Level 3 | Experienced worker, exercises judgement, may supervise others | $1,010.40 | $26.59 | $33.24 |
| Level 4 | Complex duties, significant skill, supervises lower levels | $1,060.20 | $27.90 | $34.88 |
Junior Employees (percentage of adult rate)
| Age | Percentage of Adult Rate | Level 1 Hourly Rate | Level 1 Casual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 36.8% | $9.10 | $11.38 |
| 16 years | 47.3% | $11.70 | $14.63 |
| 17 years | 57.8% | $14.29 | $17.86 |
| 18 years | 68.3% | $16.89 | $21.11 |
| 19 years | 82.5% | $20.40 | $25.50 |
| 20 years | 97.7% | $24.16 | $30.20 |
Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38 (clause 13.1). Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25 (clause 11.1). Junior rates = adult rate x age percentage (clause 15).
Penalty Rates
All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate (clause 22 and clause 23).
Full-Time and Part-Time Adult Employees
| When you work | Penalty | Level 1 example | Level 3 example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (ordinary hours) | 100% | $24.73/hr | $26.59/hr |
| Saturday (ordinary hours) | 150% (clause 22.1) | $37.10/hr | $39.89/hr |
| Sunday (ordinary hours) | 200% (clause 22.1) | $49.46/hr | $53.18/hr |
| Public holiday | 250% (clause 22.2) | $61.83/hr | $66.48/hr |
| Overtime -- first 3 hours (Mon-Fri) | 150% (clause 23.1) | $37.10/hr | $39.89/hr |
| Overtime -- after 3 hours (Mon-Fri) | 200% (clause 23.1) | $49.46/hr | $53.18/hr |
Casual Adult Employees
| When you work | Penalty (on base rate) | Level 1 example | Level 3 example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (ordinary hours) | 125% | $30.91/hr | $33.24/hr |
| Saturday (ordinary hours) | 175% (clause 22.3) | $43.28/hr | $46.53/hr |
| Sunday (ordinary hours) | 225% (clause 22.3) | $55.64/hr | $59.83/hr |
| Public holiday | 275% (clause 22.4) | $68.01/hr | $73.12/hr |
Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. Junior employees receive the same penalty percentage multipliers applied to their junior base rate. See clauses 22 and 23.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Casual general hand working a Sunday
Dave is a casual Level 1 general hand who works a 4-hour Sunday shift at a local community centre.
- Base rate: $24.73/hr
- Sunday casual rate: 225% = $24.73 x 2.25 = $55.64/hr
- Total for 4 hours: $222.56 gross
- Clause reference: clause 22.3
Example 2: Full-time caretaker on a public holiday
Maria is a permanent Level 2 caretaker who works a 7.6-hour public holiday shift.
- Base rate: $25.49/hr
- Public holiday rate: 250% = $25.49 x 2.50 = $63.73/hr
- Total for 7.6 hours: $484.35 gross
- Clause reference: clause 22.2
Example 3: Part-time worker with Saturday overtime
Chen is a part-time Level 3 employee whose agreed hours are Monday to Friday. He is asked to work 5 hours on a Saturday.
- Base rate: $26.59/hr
- Saturday rate: 150% = $26.59 x 1.50 = $39.89/hr
- Total for 5 hours: $199.45 gross
- Note: Because Saturday is outside Chen's agreed part-time hours, these hours may also attract overtime rates depending on whether they exceed 38 hours in the week. The higher rate applies.
- Clause reference: clause 22.1, clause 23.1
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if the Miscellaneous Award applies to me?
The Miscellaneous Award is the award of last resort. It only applies if no other modern award covers your employment. You should first check whether your employer's industry or your occupation is covered by a specific modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Find My Award tool can help. If no other award applies and you are not a manager or professional earning above the high-income threshold, the Miscellaneous Award covers you. See clause 4.1.
2. What is the minimum shift length under the Miscellaneous Award?
Casual employees must be engaged for a minimum of 3 hours per shift (clause 11.2). Part-time employees also have a minimum engagement of 3 hours. At the Level 1 casual rate ($30.91/hr), the minimum payment for any casual shift is $92.73 gross.
3. Can my employer classify me at Level 1 forever to keep my pay low?
No. Your classification must reflect the duties you actually perform, not an arbitrary label (clause 14). If you have developed competency, work with limited supervision, and perform duties described at Level 2 or higher, your employer must classify and pay you at the appropriate level. If you believe you are incorrectly classified, raise it with your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
4. I am a handyperson at a school. Am I under the Miscellaneous Award or the Education Award?
If you are employed directly by a school to perform general maintenance and handyperson duties, you may be covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award (MA000076) rather than the Miscellaneous Award. The relevant award depends on the nature of the employer and the work performed. Schools staff performing maintenance, cleaning, or ground-keeping duties are generally covered by MA000076.
5. Do adult apprentice rates apply if I start an apprenticeship at age 25?
Yes. If you commence an apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2014 as an adult (21 years or over), specific adult apprentice rates apply under this award. These rates may differ from the standard classification rates, particularly in the first year of the apprenticeship. See the apprentice rate schedule in the award for your specific year of training.
Check Your Rate
Not sure which award covers you, or already know you are under the Miscellaneous Award? Use our free calculator to check your exact pay rate.
Enter your classification level, employment type, age (for junior rates), and the day you work. The calculator handles weekend penalties, junior percentages, and overtime -- all with clause references so you can verify every number.
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- creator: Fair Work Commission
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Home > Awards > Miscellaneous Award (MA000104)
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.