Manufacturing Award 2020 — free pay & rights calculator 2026 | Expert Zoom

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the current pay rates under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award 2020?

  From 1 July 2025, minimum hourly rates range from AUD $24.28/hr for C14 (entry-level factory hand or process worker) up to AUD $38.03/hr for C1 (professional engineer or scientist). The Fair Work Commission increased wages by 3.75% from 1 July 2025. A standard full-time week is 38 hours, so a C14 employee earns approximately AUD $922.60 per week. Use our free pay calculator above to estimate your take-home pay.

• How much redundancy pay am I entitled to under the Manufacturing Award?

  The Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award 2020 does not provide redundancy pay above the NES statutory minimum. Under the National Employment Standards (Fair Work Act 2009, Schedule 4, s.119), redundancy pay ranges from 4 weeks' pay for 1 year of service up to a maximum of 16 weeks for 9 years of service (capped at 12 weeks for 10+ years). Small business employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempt from NES redundancy pay under s.121.

• How many days of annual leave do manufacturing workers get?

  Full-time employees under the Manufacturing Award 2020 are entitled to 4 weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year under the National Employment Standards (Fair Work Act 2009, s.87). Shiftworkers who regularly work on Sundays or public holidays are entitled to 5 weeks of annual leave. Annual leave loading is 17.5% or the applicable shift/weekend penalty rate, whichever is higher.

• What is the notice period under the Manufacturing Award 2020?

  The Manufacturing Award does not provide notice periods above the NES minimum. Under Fair Work Act 2009 s.117, minimum notice is: 1 week for less than 1 year of service, 2 weeks for 1–3 years, 3 weeks for 3–5 years, and 4 weeks for 5 or more years. Employees aged 45 and over with at least 2 years of continuous service receive an additional 1-week supplement. The employer may pay in lieu of notice.

• How much superannuation does my employer have to pay?

  From 1 July 2025, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings to a complying superannuation fund under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. The Manufacturing Award does not specify super provisions above this statutory rate. You can choose your own super fund by providing your employer with a Standard Choice Form under Fair Work Act 2009 s.149A.

• Does the Manufacturing Award provide casual loading?

  Yes. Casual employees under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award 2020 receive a 25% casual loading on top of their ordinary hourly rate. This loading compensates for the absence of paid annual leave, personal/carer's leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay. A casual C14 employee earns approximately AUD $30.35/hr under July 2025 rates.

• Can I be made redundant as a casual employee under the Manufacturing Award?

  Casual employees generally do not have access to NES redundancy pay because they are not employed on a regular and systematic basis with a reasonable expectation of continuing employment. However, casual employees who have worked regular and systematic hours for at least 12 months may qualify for access to the NES redundancy provisions depending on their specific engagement. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (1300 724 690) or your union for advice.

• What is the minimum wage under the Manufacturing Award 2020?

  The lowest classification under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award 2020 is C14 (entry-level factory hand or process worker), which carries a minimum rate of AUD $24.28 per hour or approximately AUD $922.60 per 38-hour week from 1 July 2025. This is above the National Minimum Wage of AUD $24.10/hr (also effective from July 2025). Higher classifications earn more — up to AUD $38.03/hr for C1 (professional engineer or scientist).