Pest Control Industry 2025 Pay Rates (MA000097)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Pest Control Industry covers employees in the pest control industry, including pest control technicians, fumigators, termite inspectors, and pest management operatives. If you work treating properties for pests, performing termite inspections, or conducting fumigation, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 8,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover agricultural pest control workers (Pastoral Award, MA000035 or Horticulture Award, MA000028), cleaning workers (Cleaning Services Award, MA000022), or general building inspectors. See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from trainee pest technician through to licensed pest controller, fumigator, and supervisor. Shiftworkers and non-shiftworkers have different provisions.

Key features of this award

Pest control work often requires after-hours treatment of commercial premises. The award includes shiftwork provisions and permanent night shift penalties for workers who regularly perform after-hours treatments.

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 MA000097 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 MA000097. 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 MA000097:

• Afternoon shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Sunday - After 2 hours
• Monday to Sunday - First 2 hours
• Night shift
• Ordinary hours
• Permanent night shift
• 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 MA000097 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 MA000097 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 MA000097 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do pest controllers get penalty rates for after-hours treatments?

If you are a shiftworker performing afternoon or night shifts, you receive shift penalties. Non-shiftworkers working outside ordinary hours receive overtime rates.

2. What about fumigation work?

Fumigators are covered at the appropriate classification level. Fumigation work may involve extended hours and overnight monitoring, with overtime provisions applying.

3. Are termite inspectors covered?

Yes, termite inspection and treatment technicians employed in the pest control industry are covered.

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 MA000097. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

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

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification, shiftwork status, employment type, and the days and times you work.

Schema Markup Suggestions

FAQ Schema (FAQPage)

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Table Schema (Dataset)

• name: "Pest Control Industry MA000097 Pay Rates July 2025"
• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for pest control technicians and operators under the Pest Control Industry"
• temporalCoverage: "2025-07-01/.."
• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Pest Control Industry (MA000097)

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.