Travelling Shows 2025 Pay Rates (MA000102)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Travelling Shows covers employees in travelling shows, carnivals, and circuses, including ride operators, sideshow attendants, food stall workers, and general labourers at travelling amusement shows. If you work at a travelling show, carnival, or circus, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 2,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover permanent amusement park or theme park employees (Amusement, Events and Recreation Award, MA000080), general event workers at fixed venues, or live performers (Live Performance Award, MA000081). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from general show hand through to experienced ride operator and supervisor. The structure reflects the itinerant nature of travelling show work.

Key features of this award

Travelling shows operate across all days of the week, including public holidays. The award reflects this by providing for ordinary hours Monday to Sunday, with public holidays attracting penalty rates. The maximum penalty rate is 200%.

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 MA000102 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 MA000102. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 200% 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 MA000102:

• Casual employees - ordinary hours
• Monday to Sunday - after 2 hours
• Monday to Sunday - first 2 hours
• Ordinary hours
• Public holiday

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 MA000102 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 MA000102 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 200%)
• 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 MA000102 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do travelling show workers get penalty rates for weekends?

The award provides for ordinary hours to be worked Monday to Sunday. Overtime applies after the maximum ordinary hours, with public holidays attracting specific penalty rates.

2. What about accommodation when the show travels?

The award may include provisions regarding accommodation and travel arrangements for employees moving between show locations.

3. Are ride operators classified separately?

Yes, ride operators are classified based on their duties and the complexity of the rides they operate.

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 MA000102. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in travelling shows and amusement 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.

Schema Markup Suggestions

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Table Schema (Dataset)

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• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for travelling show and carnival workers under the Travelling Shows"
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• creator: Fair Work Commission
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Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Travelling Shows (MA000102)

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.