WA awards for common jobs

This page is for: 
EmployerEmployee / worker

wa_image_small.jpg This information is only relevant to employers and employees in the WA state industrial relations system.

  • Many employees in the state industrial relations system are covered by WA awards. WA awards are legal documents that set the legal minimum pay rates and other working arrangements for employees in a particular industry or occupation.
  • This page lists common jobs and the WA awards that apply to those jobs when employers and employees are covered by the state industrial relations system.

Understanding WA awards

Visit the Understanding WA awards page to watch the Understanding WA awards video and get information what WA awards are and why employers must comply with the provisions contained in any WA award.

About the information on this page

  • This information is intended as a guide only and may not be correct for your specific situation. 
  • Employees who work for a larger business or organisation, should also check whether an industrial agreement applies, which can be done by checking with the human resources or payroll area where you are employed.
  • For each common job listed below a link is provided to either:
    • the WA award summary for that award, if the job is covered by a WA award for which Wageline publishes a WA award summary;
    • the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission website so you can access the full award, if there is no WA award summary; or
    • the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary if the job is not covered by a WA award.
  • You can also call Wageline on 1300 655 266 to check WA award coverage.

Accountant

An accountant is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Aged care support

Aged care support workers or carers employed directly by a household employer (e.g. the householder or a family member) to provide care for an elderly person in a private home are likely to be award free – Visit the Household employers page and view the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Aged care support workers or carers employed by an organisation or business to provide aged care in a private home are also likely to be award free - View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Alarm installer / servicer

An alarm installer / servicer is likely to be covered by the Electrical Trades (Security Alarms Industry) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

Animal refuge or shelter worker

An animal refuge or shelter worker where veterinary services are provided by the business is likely to be covered by the Animal Welfare Award

If no veterinary services are provided by the business, the worker is likely award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Arborist (tree and shrub cultivation and care)

An arborist is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Automotive electrician

A automotive electrician is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.

Automotive spraypainter

An automotive spraypainter is likely to be covered by the Vehicle Builders Award

Baker

A baker or baker's assistant working in a bakery in the Perth metropolitan area within a 45km radius of the central Perth General Post Office is likely to be covered by the Bakers (Metropolitan) Award

A baker working in a bakery that is more than 45kms from the Perth General Post Office is likely to be covered by the Bakers (Country) Award.

A baker of cakes is likely covered by the Pastrycooks Award.

Barber

A barber working in a barber shop is likely to be covered by the Hairdressers Award.

Barista

A barista working in a cafe or restaurant is likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award.

Barperson

There are several WA awards covering the work of a barperson. The award that applies will depend on the type of business: 

Beauty therapist

A beauty therapist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

A cosmetic tattoo artist working for a beauty therapy business is also likely to be Award free.

Bee keeper

A bee keeper is likely to be covered by the Farm Employees Award.

Bicycle mechanic

A bicycle mechanic is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.

Boilermaker

A boilermaker is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award

Bottle shop attendant / shop assistant in a bottle shop

A Bottle shop attendant working in a bottle shop that is not attached to a tavern or hotel: is likely to be covered by the Licensed Establishments (Retail and Wholesale) Award.

A bottle shop attendant working in a bottle shop that is attached to a tavern or hotel is likely to be covered by the Hotel and Tavern Workers Award.

Bricklayer

A bricklayer employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work done not on a construction site the Building Trades Award may apply. 

Builder's labourer

An adult builder's labourer employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. A junior employee (under 21 years of age) working as a builder's labourer will be Award free unless the consent of the union to engage a junior employee under the award has been obtained.

For work done not on a construction site, an adult builder's labourer may be covered by the Building Trades Award. A junior employee (under 21 years of age) working as a builder's labourer will be Award free.  

Butcher (retail)

A butcher working in a retail butcher's shop is likely to be covered by the Meat Industry Award

Cabinet maker

A cabinet maker or installer is likely to be covered by Furniture Trades Industry Award.

Cake baker / decorator

A cake decorator or baker is likely covered by the Pastrycooks Award.

Carer

Carers or support workers employed directly by a household employer (e.g. the householder or a family member) to provide care for person with a disability or an elderly person in a private home are likely to be award free – Visit the Household employers page and view the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Carers or support workers employed by an organisation or a business to provide aged or disability care in a private home are likely to be award free - View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary

Carpenter

A carpenter employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work done not on a construction site the Building Trades Award may apply. 

Chef, cook, kitchenhand

There are several WA awards covering the work of a chef, cook or kitchenhand. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:

Child care worker

Cleaner

There are several WA awards covering the work of a cleaner. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:

Clerical employee

See Receptionist / clerical employee below.

Clothing alterations / tailor

Employees doing clothing alterations or working as tailor are likely to be covered by the Clothing Trades Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

Coach for a sporting club / organisation

A coach is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Computer software technician / computer programmer / IT worker

Employees working in IT are generally award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary. 

Counterhand

A counterhand employed in a lunch bar, cafe or fast food outlet* is likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award.

* Fast food businesses in the state system trading as: Red Rooster, Pizza Hut, Hungry Jacks, KFC, Chicken Treat, Chooks Fresh and Tasty, McDonalds, Subway or Heros Pizza are covered by the Fast Food Outlets Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website). 

Crocodile park attendant

An employee working in a crocodile park (except those performing veterinary duties) is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Dance teacher

A dance teacher is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Dental assistant

A dental assistant is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award.

Dental hygienist

A dental hygienist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Dental nurse

A dental nurse is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award if they have obtained a Cert III or IV qualification.

A registered general nurse or registered dental nurse with university degree qualifications would likely be covered by the Nurses (Dentists Surgeries) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

Dental receptionist

A dental assistant is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award.

Dental technician

A dental technician is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award.

Dog / pet groomer

A dog or pet groomer is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Driver or driver assistant

There are several WA awards covering the work of a driver or driver assistant. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:

Electrician 

The WA award which applies to an electrician depends on the type of business:

Events coordinator

An events coordinator is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Event staff / crew

Employees working as event staff or crew (e.g. setting up, packing down or working as ushers) are likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Security staff working at an event are likely to be covered by the Security Officers Award.

Catering and wait staff working at an event are likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award.

Cleaners employed directly by the event organiser to work at an event are likely to be covered by the Cleaners and Caretakers Award.

Cleaners employed by a contract cleaning company contracted for an event are likely to be covered by the Contract Cleaners Award.

Farm worker

A farm worker in the farming industry is likely to be covered by the Farm Employees Award, if the work is in relation to:

  • the management, breeding, rearing or grazing of livestock or poultry, with livestock defined to include all animals used in primary production including fish, crustaceans and insects 
  • the shearing and crutching of sheep and the classing and pressing of wool on farms
  • hatchery work
  • the sowing, raising or harvesting of broadacre field crops and other crops grown as part of a broadacre mixed farming enterprise
  • the treatment of land for any of these purposes and clearing, fencing, well sinking, dam sinking or trenching on such farms or properties.

Note: this does not apply to dairy farm workers or employees working in a market garden.

Fish and chip shop employee

An employee working in a fish and chip shop preparing food or serving customers is likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award

Florist

An employee working in a florist shop is likely to be covered by the Shop and Warehouse (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award.

Fruit picker or packer

A fruit picker or packer employed on an orchard or in a processing plant or shed is likely to be covered by the Fruit Growing and Fruit Packing Industry Award.

Furniture removalist

A furniture removalist is likely to be covered by the Transport Workers (General) Award.

Garage door installer / repairer

Employees working as garage door installers/repairers may potentially be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award if the role is dealing with / working with metal.

Otherwise they are likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Gasfitter

A gasfitter on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work done not on a construction site the Building Trades Award may apply. 

Glazier

A glazier employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work done not on a construction site the Building Trades Award may apply. 

Guest service worker

There are several WA awards covering the work of a guest service worker. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:

Gym instructor

A gym instructor is likely to be covered by the Health Attendants Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

Hairdresser

A hairdresser employed in a hair salon is likely to be covered by the Hairdressers Award.

Hairdressing salon - receptionist / clerical

A receptionist or clerical worker employed in a hair salon is likely to be covered by the Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award.

Handyperson

Employees working as a handyperson are likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Please note, employees employed as a cleaner, gardener or builder’s labourer are likely to have award coverage which can be found on this webpage.

Kitchenhand

A kitchenhand employed in a lunch bar, cafe or roadhouse is likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award.

Landscape gardener

A landscape gardener working in a private sector business is likely to be covered by the Landscape Gardening Industry Award.

Liquor store worker

A liquor store / bottle shop attendant working in a liquor store that is not attached to a tavern or hotel is likely to be covered by the Licensed Establishments (Retail and Wholesale) Award.

A liquor store / bottle shop attendant working in a liquor store that is attached to a tavern for hotel is likely to be covered by the Hotel and Tavern Workers Award.

Locksmith

A locksmith is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.

Machinist

A machinist in metal fabrication is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.

Maitre'd

There are several WA awards covering the work of a maitre'd. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:

Manicurist / nail technician

A manicurist or nail technician working in a nail salon is likely to be award free. Visit the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Mechanic (automotive, motorcycle, boats and bicycles)

A mechanic for an automotive repair shop or working with boats or bicycles is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.

Nail technician

A nail technician is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Nanny

Nanny employed directly by a household employer in a private home is likely to be award free. View the Household employers page and the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Natural therapist

A natural therapist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Nurse

Painter

A painter employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work that is done not on a construction site the Building Trades Award may apply.

A spraypainter is likely to be covered by the Industrial Spraypainting and Sandblasting Award.

Note: The Artworkers Award applies to painters doing mainly artistic work (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

Panelbeater

A panel beater at a panel beater shop is likely to be covered by the Vehicle Builders Award.

Pharmacist

A pharmacist is likely to be covered by the Retail Pharmacists Award.

Pharmacy assistant

A pharmacy assistant is covered by the Shop and Warehouse (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award.

Photographer

A photographer and employees working in the photographic industry are likely to be covered by the Photographic Industry Award.

Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Plant / garden nursery worker

A worker in a plant / garden nursery would likely be covered by the Horticulture (Nursery) Industry Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

Plasterer

A plasterer employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work not on a construction site, the Building Trades Award may apply. 

Plumber

A plumber employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work that is not done on a construction site, the Building Trades Award may apply. 

Real estate agent

A real estate agent is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

Receptionist / clerical employee

There are a number of WA awards which apply to clerical and reception staff, and which particular clerks award applies depends on the nature of the business or organisation.

This list includes key types of businesses and organisations, but is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure of award coverage, please contact Wageline.

Employee undertaking clerical / reception work in: Relevant WA award
Accounting firm Clerks (Accountants Employees) Award
Architectural firm Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Associations and/or societies (including sporting clubs/organisations) Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Bakery Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Beauty salon Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Bookkeeper business  Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Building contractor Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Business consultant Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Bus operator (Tourist, coach and charter) Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Cafe or restaurant

Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award where it is not attached to a hotel, motel or club or other business covered by the Clerks (Hotels Motels and Clubs) Award

Car yard Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Caravan park Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Caravan repair Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Caravan sales Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Catering business Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Child care centre Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Chiropractic clinic Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Church Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Club (licensed) Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Contract cleaning Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Counsellor Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Courier / transport

Potentially the Clerks (Customs and/or Shipping and/or Forwarding Agents) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website)

Otherwise Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award

Curtain / blind installation and retail Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Dance studio Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Debt collector agency Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Dentist Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award
Doctor (including medical specialists) Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Doctor's surgery Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Electrical contractor Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Equipment / trailer hire Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Events company Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Forklift sales Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Freight company Clerks (Customs and/or Shipping and/or Forwarding Agents) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website)
Fundraising consultant business Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Funeral director Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Gym Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Holiday park Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Hotel Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Interior designer Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Interpreting service Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Labour hire business Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award (for a clerical worker who is employed within the office of the labour hire business  - not placed out with host employers
Law firm (including legal secretary) Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Machinery hire service and/or contractors Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Mechanical garage Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Motel Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Nightclub Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Occupational therapy Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Optometrist Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Optical manufacturer Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Optician Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Panel beater and/or repairer Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Photographic industry Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Physiotherapist Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Plumbing Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Plumbing wholesaler Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Podiatrist Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Psychiatrist Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Psychologist Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Real estate agent Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Removalist business Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Retail / shop Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Settlement agency Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Swimming pool manufacting and retail Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Telecommunications Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Tourist centre Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award (unless employed by a local government)
Transport business (transporting freight / goods) Clerks (Customs and/or Shipping and/or Forwarding Agents) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website)
TV repair and sales Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award
Tyre sales business Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Vet clinic Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Warehouse or shop Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award

    Referee (for a sporting club / organisation)

    A referee working for a sporting club or organisation is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

    Remedial massage therapist

    A remedial massage therapist not working in a gym is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

    A remedial massage therapist working in a gym is likely to be covered by the Health Attendants Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

    Removalists

    An employee working as a furniture removalist is likely to be covered by the Transport Workers (General) Award.

    Security guard

    A security guard is likely to be covered by the Security Officers Award.

    Service station attendant

    Shop assistant

    There a number of WA awards which apply to retail staff, and whether a WA award applies to a particular employee, and which particular award applies depends on the types of products being sold by the store.

    An employee working as a shop assistant will likely be covered by the Shop and Warehouse (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award if they are working in these types of retail store:

    • Food / groceries (including fruit and vegetables and cakes)
    • Please note employees working in take away food outlets (such as fish and chips or pizza) are likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award 
    • Auto part retailers
    • Furniture, including antique furniture
    • Antique stores
    • Bicycle stores
    • Bridal stores
    • Carpet stores
    • Camping equipment stores
    • Homewares / kitchenware
    • Hardware / timber / building material retailer
    • Pharmacies / retail chemists
    • Agricultural machinery stores
    • Home appliances / white goods retailers
    • Office equipment / office furniture retailers
    • Florists / flowers
    • Jewellery stores
    • Clothing stores
    • Newsagents
    • Cameras / photographic equipment stores
    • Aquarium / fish stores
    • Computer stores
    • Garden supply stores
    • Bags and luggage retailer
    • Lighting stores
    • Mobile phones
    • Baby goods
    • Sports stores
    • Toy stores

    A shop assistant will be covered by the Licensed Establishments (Retail and Wholesale) Award if they are working in a liquor store.

    A shop assistant / bottle shop attendant working in a bottle shop that is not attached to a tavern or hotel is likely to be covered by the Licensed Establishments (Retail and Wholesale) Award. A bottle shop attendant working in a bottle shop that is attached to a tavern or hotel is likely to be covered by the Hotel and Tavern Workers Award.

    An employee working in a butcher shop will be covered by the Meat Industry Award.

    Spraypainter

    A spraypainter is likely to be covered by the Industrial Spraypainting and Sandblasting Award.

    Stablehand

    If working on a farm / stud where the primary purpose is the breeding and rearing of horses likely to be covered by the Farm Employees Award.

    If working at a riding stables / equestrian centre where the primary purpose is horse riding lessons or agistment likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

    Stoneworker / mason

    A stoneworker or mason working on site in the construction industry is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award.

    For work that is not done on a construction site the Building Trades Award may apply.

    For work involving monumental masonry the Monumental Masonry Industry Award is likely to apply (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).

    Support worker providing in-home care

    Tennis coach

    A tennis coach is likely to be award free. Visit the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

    Tiler - floor, wall

    A tiler employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work that is not done on a construction site, the Building Trades Award may apply.

    Tiler - roof

    A roof tiler employed on a construction site is likely to be covered by the Building Trades (Construction) Award. For work that is not done on a construction site, the Building Trades Award may apply. 

    Tree lopper

    A tree lopper is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

    Trolley collector

    A trolley collector employed by a trolley collection contractor will be covered by the Contract Cleaners Award.

    Veterinary nurse

    A veterinary nurse is likely to be covered by the Animal Welfare Award.

    Vineyard worker

    Grape harvesting or other vineyard work is likely to be covered by the Wine Industry Award.

    Wait staff

    There are several WA awards covering the work of wait staff. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:

    Welder

    Window cleaner

    A window cleaner employed by a cleaning company is likely to be covered by the Contract Cleaners Award. Otherwise, the Cleaners and Caretakers Award is likely to apply.

     question_mark_icon.jpg You can contact Wageline to ask us about award coverage for state system employees

     

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