Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2025 Pay Rates (MA000089)
Plain-English Summary
Who does this award cover?
The Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award covers employees working in the automotive industry across Australia. This includes mechanics, panel beaters, spray painters, vehicle detailers, auto electricians, tyre fitters, roadhouse attendants, console operators, driveway attendants, and vehicle sales employees. If you work in a car dealership, service station, tyre shop, crash repairer, or roadside assistance operation, this award likely applies to you.
The award covers both trade-qualified workers (such as qualified mechanics and auto electricians) and non-trade workers (such as console operators and driveway attendants). It also covers apprentices in the vehicle repair and services sector, with separate pay rates depending on whether you are an adult or junior apprentice.
How classification levels work
Your pay rate depends on your classification level. The award uses a multi-level structure from Level 1 (entry-level, general duties like car washing, tyre fitting, and basic servicing) through to higher levels covering qualified tradespeople, leading hands, and specialist diagnostic technicians. Your employer must classify you based on the actual work you perform, not just your job title. Console operators, driveway attendants, and roadhouse attendants have their own separate pay rates under Schedule B of the award.
What about part-time and casual workers?
Part-time employees receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees, with entitlements calculated on a pro-rata basis. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay.
Classification Levels and Base Rates
All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.
| Level | Typical Duties | Weekly Rate | Hourly Rate | Casual Rate (incl. 25% loading) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Car washing, tyre fitting, basic servicing, general labouring | $940.00 | $24.74 | $30.93 |
| Level 2 | Experienced tyre fitter, parts interpreter, service writer | $970.80 | $25.55 | $31.94 |
| Level 3 | Qualified tradesperson, auto electrician, panel beater | $1,010.40 | $26.59 | $33.24 |
| Level 4 | Specialist diagnostic technician, leading hand, workshop controller | $1,058.60 | $27.86 | $34.83 |
| Console Operator | Fuel console operation, point-of-sale | $940.00 | $24.74 | $30.93 |
| Driveway Attendant | Fuel pumping, windscreen cleaning, basic vehicle checks | $940.00 | $24.74 | $30.93 |
| Roadhouse Attendant | Roadhouse counter service, food preparation | $940.00 | $24.74 | $30.93 |
Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.
Penalty Rates
All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.
Full-Time and Part-Time Employees
| When you work | Penalty | Level 1 example |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (ordinary hours) | Base rate (100%) | $24.74/hr |
| Saturday | 150% | $37.11/hr |
| Sunday | 200% | $49.48/hr |
| Public holiday | 250% | $61.85/hr |
| Overtime -- first 3 hours (Mon-Sat) | 150% | $37.11/hr |
| Overtime -- after 3 hours (Mon-Sat) | 200% | $49.48/hr |
| Afternoon shift | 115% | $28.45/hr |
| Night shift | 130% | $32.16/hr |
| Alternating afternoon and night shift | 120% | $29.69/hr |
Casual Employees
| When you work | Penalty (on base rate) | Level 1 example |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday (ordinary hours) | 125% (casual loading) | $30.93/hr |
| Sunday | 200% | $49.48/hr |
| Public holiday | 275% | $68.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the ordinary hours for vehicle repair workers under this award?
Ordinary hours are a maximum of 38 per week, or an average of 38 per week over a roster cycle. For RS&R employees, the ordinary span of hours is 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. Saturday work before midday can form part of ordinary hours by agreement. Console operators and roadhouse attendants may work ordinary hours across a wider span including evenings and weekends.
2. Do qualified mechanics get paid more than general hands?
Yes. Qualified tradespeople (such as mechanics with a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology) are classified at Level 3 or above, which has a higher base rate than Level 1. A qualified mechanic at Level 3 earns approximately $26.59/hr compared to $24.74/hr for a Level 1 general hand. Specialist diagnostic technicians and leading hands earn even more at Level 4.
3. What penalty rates apply at service stations that trade 24/7?
Console operators and roadhouse attendants who work outside ordinary hours receive penalty rates. Saturday work attracts 150%, Sunday 200%, and public holidays 250% of the base rate. Evening and night shifts also attract shift penalties. Casual console operators receive their 25% loading on top of the base rate during ordinary hours, and specific casual penalty rates for weekends and public holidays.
4. Are apprentices covered by this award?
Yes. Both adult apprentices (aged 21 or over at the start of the apprenticeship) and junior apprentices are covered. Apprentice pay rates are set as a percentage of the qualified tradesperson rate, increasing each year of the apprenticeship. Adult apprentices generally receive higher rates than junior apprentices at the same year of training.
5. What is the minimum shift length?
For casual employees, the minimum engagement is 3 consecutive hours per shift. Even if your employer only needs you for 1 hour, they must pay you for at least 3 hours. For part-time employees, the minimum daily engagement is also 3 hours. At Level 1 casual rate ($30.93/hr), the minimum payment for any casual shift is $92.79 gross.
Check Your Rate
Not sure if you are being paid correctly? Use our free pay rate calculator to check your exact rate based on your classification level, employment type, and the hours you work.
Enter your details and get an instant breakdown of what you should be earning -- including penalty rates, overtime, and casual loading. Every result cites the specific award clause so you can verify it yourself.
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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.