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Live Performance Award pay rates 2026–27
The minimum hourly rates and penalty rates under the Live Performance Award 2020 [MA000081], 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Production and Support Staff Level 1 (Induction/Training) | $25.74 | $32.17 |
| Production and Support Staff Level 2 | $27.55 | $34.44 |
| Production and Support Staff Level 3 | $28.89 | $36.11 |
| Production and Support Staff Level 4 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Production and Support Staff Level 5 | $30.37 | $37.96 |
| Production and Support Staff Level 6 | $31.30 | $39.13 |
| Level 7 — Company Dancer Level 1; Performer Category 1 Grade 1 | $32.13 | $40.16 |
| Level 8 — Company Dancer Level 2; Production and Support Staff Level 7 | $33.31 | $41.64 |
| Level 9 — Musician; Performer Category 1 Grade 2; Performer Category 2 | $33.77 | $42.21 |
| Level 10 — Company Dancer Level 3; Production and Support Staff Level 8 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Level 11 — Company Dancer Level 4; Musician required to accompany artists; Opera Principal | $35.54 | $44.43 |
| Supernumeraries engaged by the week | $36.68 | $45.85 |
| Level 12 — Company Dancer Level 5 | $36.74 | $45.93 |
| Level 13 — Company Dancer Level 6; Technical Manager | $38.07 | $47.59 |
| Level 14 — Company Dancer Level 7; Principal Musician; Vocalist | $39.65 | $49.56 |
| Level 15 — Conductor-Leader | $43.03 | $53.79 |
| Weekly Employees — Level 9—Musician | $53.46 | $66.83 |
| Weekly Employees — Level 11—Musician required to accompany artists | $56.28 | $70.35 |
| Weekly Employees — Level 14—Principal Musician | $62.78 | $78.47 |
| Casual Employees — Level 9—Musician | $66.83 | $83.54 |
| Weekly Employees — Level 15—Conductor-Leader | $68.13 | $85.16 |
| Casual Employees — Level 11—Musician required to accompany artists | $70.35 | $87.94 |
| Casual Employees — Level 14—Principal Musician | $78.48 | $98.10 |
| Casual Employees — Level 15—Conductor-Leader | $85.16 | $106.45 |
Striptease Artists
| Classification | Full-time & part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Bar/waiting staff | $27.08 | $33.85 |
| Performer | $27.55 | $34.44 |
Source: the Fair Work Commission's published rates. Check them against the award or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide.
Live Performance Award: common questions
What is the minimum pay rate under the Live Performance Award?
From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult classification, Production and Support Staff Level 1 (Induction/Training), 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.
When do Live Performance 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 Live Performance 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.