What is the Electrical Award?
The Electrical Award, officially known as the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2010 (MA000025), establishes minimum pay standards and working conditions for electricians and other electrical professionals in Australia. This award is regularly updated, and it’s important for workers to stay informed on the latest changes.
2025 Electrical Award Pay Rates (Updated)
Base Wage Structure：
| Classification Level | Minimum Weekly Rate | Minimum Hourly Rate |
| Electrical Worker Grade 1 | $871.20 | $22.93 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 2 | $900.70 | $23.70 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 3 | $930.70 | $24.49 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 4 | $960.70 | $25.28 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 5 | $995.00 | $26.18 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 6 | $1,026.20 | $27.01 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 7 | $1,085.60 | $28.57 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 8 | $1,140.70 | $30.02 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 9 | $1,164.10 | $30.63 |
| Electrical Worker Grade 10 | $1,257.90 | $33.10 |
*Rates effective from first full pay period on/after 1 July 2025
Apprentice Wage Rates
Junior Apprentices (under 21):
| Year | Weekly Rate |
| 1st Year | $609.01 |
| 2nd Year | $715.77 |
| 3rd Year | $769.15 |
| 4th Year | $897.27 |
Mature Age Apprentices (21+):
- 1st Year: $875.92/week
- 2nd-4th Year: $956.20/week
- Includes all-purpose allowances
How to Calculate Overtime Under MA000025？
The Electrical Award specifies different overtime rates depending on when work occurs:
Overtime Rates Table
| Scenario | Full-time/Part-time Rate | Casual Rate |
| Monday-Saturday (first 2 hours) | 150% | 187.5% |
| Monday-Saturday (after 2 hours) | 200% | 250% |
| Sunday | 200% | 250% |
| Public Holiday | 250% | 312.5% |
| Night Work (6pm-6am) | +$3.15/hr night allowance | +$3.15/hr |
Example Calculation:
An Electrician Grade 5 ($26.18/hr) works 3 hours overtime on Wednesday:
- First 2 hours: 2 × $26.18 × 1.5 = $78.54
- Next 1 hour: 1 × $26.18 × 2 = $52.36
- Total overtime pay: $130.9067
On-Call Pay Requirements 2025
The Electrical Award recognizes two types of on-call arrangements:
- Engaged to Wait
- Employee must remain on/near premises
- Entire on-call period is paid work time
- 2025 Update: New emergency call-out allowance of $45 per call (then $22.50 per 30 mins after first 30 minutes)911
- Waiting to Engage
- Employee can use time freely
- Only paid when actually called to work
On-Call Pay Examples:
- IT Electrician on standby from home (waiting to engage): Paid only for active work hours
- Maintenance Electrician required at worksite (engaged to wait): Paid for entire on-call shift11
Key Allowances in the Electrical Award
All-Purpose Allowances (Included in Base Rate)
| Allowance Type | Weekly Amount | Purpose |
| Industry Allowance | $36.82 | Compensation for on-site disabilities |
| Electrician’s License | $35.82 | For licensed electrical mechanics |
| First Aid | $0.55/hr (max $20.90/wk) | For certified first aid officers |
Reimbursement Allowances
| Allowance | Coverage |
| Apprentice Training Fees | Full cost of prescribed courses/books |
| Travel to Training | Excess reasonable travel costs |
| Tools | Actual cost of tool replacement |
*Note: From 2025, all-purpose allowances must be reported separately under STP Phase 2 requirements.13*
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Managing Electrical Award (MA000025) payroll? Workstem automates:
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FAQs About the Electrical Award 2025
Q1: Does MA000025 cover solar installers?
A1: Yes, if they perform electrical work (e.g., wiring, panel installation).
Q2: Are apprentices paid under this award?
A2: Yes, apprentices receive graduated pay rates (40-90% of Level 1 wage).
Q3：How is shift work calculated?
A3：Afternoon shifts: +15%, Night shifts: +30%.
Q4：What’s the minimum engagement period?
A4：4 hours for casuals, 3 hours for part-timers.
Q5: Can Workstem help with casual employee management?
A5: Absolutely. Workstem supports casual loading, dynamic rosters, and real-time tracking to ensure casual workers are paid correctly and fairly under the award.
Q6: Is Workstem compliant with Fair Work and STP2?
A6: Yes, Workstem is fully compliant with Fair Work obligations and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2), ensuring seamless reporting to the ATO.
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