Pay and Your Rights as an Employed Tradie
Being an employed tradie is no walk in the park. The work can be tough, the days long, and the pressure constant to deliver top-quality work on time. 💪
Still, just because you’re grinding hard on-site every day doesn’t mean you should be underpaid or taken advantage of. Knowing your rights and pay entitlements as an employed tradie is essential — not just for your wallet, but to make sure you’re being treated fairly and setting yourself up for a successful career.
Understanding Employed Tradie Pay
Most employed tradies in Australia are paid hourly wages under an award rate system, which sets minimum standards for pay and conditions in each industry. Some tradies may be on fixed salaries, but even then, those salaries should reflect overtime, allowances, weekend work, and penalties.
Your pay as an employed tradie depends on:
✅ Your trade type (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
✅ Your qualifications and experience level
✅ Whether you’re under a national award or a specific state-based agreement
✅ Whether you’re on hourly pay or a fixed salary
In short, you should be getting at least the minimum award wage for your specific role.
What Is the Award Wage?
The award wage is the legal minimum rate set by the Fair Work Commission. It ensures tradies (and employees in general) aren’t underpaid.
For most trades in construction and related fields, the relevant award is:
🔗 Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020)
From that link, you can:
✅ Find your pay rate based on your role and classification
✅ Check overtime and penalty rates
✅ Understand entitlements like breaks, travel allowances, meal allowances, and more
If your trade isn’t covered by that award, there may be another relevant one — or you may need to check with your employer or Fair Work directly.
Overtime, Penalty Rates & Weekends
If you’re paid hourly and:
⏰ Work over 38 hours per week, or
⏰ Work weekends, public holidays, or late nights
…you may be entitled to extra pay under penalty or overtime rates.
Here’s the kicker: some employed tradies miss out on this simply because they don’t check or they’re too nervous to ask. Don’t be that tradie. Ask your employer what your rates are and clarify how you’re being paid.
If you're on a fixed salary, ask: "Is this inclusive of overtime, weekends, and allowances?" If the answer isn't clear — or doesn’t match the Fair Work guide — it’s worth a follow-up.
Adult Tradies vs. Junior Tradies
If you’re 21 or older, you’re classed as an adult worker — and that matters.
✅ You’re generally entitled to higher base pay
✅ Your rate may also reflect prior experience or related work history
Don’t let anyone tell you adult tradies should expect less — Fair Work has set rates for a reason, and experienced workers bring a lot to the table.
How to Check If You’re Being Paid Fairly
✅ Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman – Pay and Conditions Tool
✅ Download the Fair Pay Guide
✅ Cross-check:
Your trade type
Your classification or level
Your age (adult vs. junior)
Your hours and type of work (e.g., overtime, travel, public holidays)
If something looks off, have a calm, respectful chat with your employer or supervisor. Most decent bosses will fix an issue once it’s flagged.
If you still feel stuck, contact Fair Work directly — they’re there to help you, not create drama.
Real Talk: Minimum Pay Is Just the Starting Point
The award wage is the legal minimum — not the maximum. Your actual pay might be higher depending on:
💥 The trade you’re in
💥 How competent you are on the tools
💥 Your attitude and reliability
💥 Whether your boss values you enough to reward it
So yes — know your rights. But also remember, if you show up, work hard, keep learning, and take responsibility, you’ll often earn more than the minimum over time.
Want help navigating pay rates or figuring out how to position yourself for a raise? The Intrade crew is here to back you. Reach out anytime. 🔨💬
