Salt Industry 2025 Pay Rates (MA000107)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Salt Industry covers employees in the salt industry, including salt harvesters, plant operators, maintenance workers, and processing staff at salt production facilities. If you work harvesting or processing salt (from solar ponds, mines, or other sources), this award applies to you. It covers approximately 1,500 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover general mining workers (Mining Industry Award, MA000011), chemical manufacturing workers, or general process workers in food manufacturing (Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award, MA000073). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from general labourer through to plant operator, trades worker, and supervisor. Continuous shiftworkers have specific provisions.

Key features of this award

Salt production can involve continuous operations, particularly in processing plants. The award distinguishes between continuous shiftworkers and non-continuous workers, with different overtime provisions. Shiftworkers receive afternoon, night, and permanent night shift penalties.

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 MA000107 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 MA000107. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 250% 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 MA000107:

• All employees: Ordinary rate
• Monday to Saturday - after 2 hours
• Monday to Saturday - first 2 hours
• Monday to Sunday
• Public holiday - all day
• Shiftworkers: Afternoon & night
• Shiftworkers: Permanent night
• Shiftworkers: Saturday
• Shiftworkers: Sunday & public holiday
• Sunday - all day

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 4 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000107 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 4 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 MA000107 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 250%)
• 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 MA000107 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is salt harvesting seasonal?

Solar salt harvesting can be seasonal, depending on evaporation conditions. However, salt processing and packaging may operate year-round.

2. Do continuous shiftworkers get extra leave?

Yes, continuous shiftworkers are entitled to an additional week of annual leave under the National Employment Standards.

3. Are salt mine workers covered?

Workers at salt mines that are specifically salt production operations are covered. General mining operations may be covered by the Mining Industry Award instead.

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

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 4 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 MA000107. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

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

Check your pay rate now

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

Schema Markup Suggestions

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Table Schema (Dataset)

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• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for salt harvesting and processing workers under the Salt Industry"
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• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Salt Industry (MA000107)

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.