Nursery 2025 Pay Rates (MA000033)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Nursery covers employees working in plant nurseries, garden centres, and related horticultural retail operations, including nursery hands, propagation workers, retail sales staff, and nursery supervisors. If you work growing, propagating, or selling plants at a nursery or garden centre, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 15,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover employees in broadacre horticulture or fruit growing (Horticulture Award, MA000028), landscaping workers (Gardening and Landscaping Services Award, MA000101), or general retail workers at hardware stores selling plants (General Retail Industry Award, MA000004). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from nursery labourer through to experienced propagation worker, nursery salesperson, and nursery supervisor. Levels reflect horticultural knowledge and responsibilities.

Key features of this award

Nursery work is influenced by seasonal demands, with peak activity in spring and autumn. Weekend trading is common, and many nurseries operate seven days a week during peak periods.

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 MA000033 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 MA000033. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 275% 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 MA000033:

• After first 3 hours Monday to Saturday
• First 3 hours Monday to Saturday
• Ordinary hours
• Public holiday
• Saturday
• Sunday

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 3 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000033 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 3 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 MA000033 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 275%)
• 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 MA000033 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Nursery Award cover garden centre retail staff?

Yes, retail sales staff at nurseries and garden centres that primarily sell plants and garden products are covered by this award.

2. What about landscape supply yards?

If the business is primarily a nursery or garden centre, employees are covered. If it is primarily a landscape supply yard selling bulk materials, the Storage Services and Wholesale Award may apply instead.

3. Are seasonal nursery workers covered?

Yes, both permanent and casual nursery workers are covered. Casual employment is common during peak seasons such as spring.

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

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 3 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 MA000033. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in nursery and garden centre and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification level, employment type, and the days you work.

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• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for employees in plant nurseries and garden centres under the Nursery"
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• creator: Fair Work Commission
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Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Nursery (MA000033)

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.