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Nursery Award pay rates 2026–27
The minimum hourly rates and penalty rates under the Nursery Award 2020 [MA000033], in force from 1 July 2026. The lowest adult rate is $25.74 an hour, or $32.17 for casuals.
Minimum hourly rates
Adult rates per hour. The casual rate includes the casual loading. Junior, apprentice and trainee rates are set separately in the award.
| Classification | Full-time & part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1A | $25.74 | $32.17 |
| Grade 1B | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| Grade 2 | $26.59 | $33.24 |
| Grade 3 | $27.81 | $34.76 |
| Grade 4 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Grade 5 | $32.54 | $40.67 |
| Grade 6 | $35.43 | $44.29 |
Penalty rates and overtime
For adult day workers, as a percentage of the base rate unless shown otherwise. Dollar figures are per hour at Grade 1A.
| When | Full-time & part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 125% · $32.18 | 150% · $38.61 |
| Sunday | 200% · $51.48 | 225% · $57.92 |
| Public holiday | 250% · $64.35 | 275% · $70.79 |
| Overtime, first 3 hours | 150% · $38.61 | 150% of the casual rate · $48.26 |
Shiftworkers, juniors and apprentices can have different penalties, and some awards set more than one evening or night band (the lowest is shown). The award itself is the authority.
Source: the Fair Work Commission's published rates. Check them against the award or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide.
Nursery Award: common questions
What is the minimum pay rate under the Nursery Award?
From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult classification, Grade 1A, is $25.74 an hour for full-time and part-time employees and $32.17 an hour for casuals, which includes the casual loading. Higher classifications are paid more; the full table is on this page.
What is the Sunday rate under the Nursery Award?
Full-time and part-time adult employees are paid 200% of their base rate for work on a Sunday, which is $51.48 an hour at Grade 1A. Casuals are paid $57.92 an hour at the same level.
What is the public holiday rate under the Nursery Award?
Full-time and part-time adult employees are paid 250% of their base rate for work on a public holiday, which is $64.35 an hour at Grade 1A. Casuals are paid $70.79 an hour at the same level.
When do Nursery Award pay rates change?
The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages every year, and new rates usually apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. The rates on this page apply from 1 July 2026.
How do I check a payslip against the Nursery Award?
Upload the payslip to FairCheck's free payslip check. It reads the pay lines, confirms the award and classification with you, and shows whether the rates, penalties and super meet this award, with the reasoning for every line.