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 state system employees are covered by an award. WA awards are legal documents issued by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission that set pay rates and employment arrangements for a particular industry or job / occupation.
  • Many of the common jobs and the WA awards that apply to these jobs are listed on this page to help employers and employees find the right award and the right pay rate.
  • The entry for each job has a link to either:
  • Some organisations or businesses have registered industrial agreements which are not listed on this page.
  • This information is intended as a guide only and may not be correct for your specific situation.
  • You can contact Wageline to check 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 award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.

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 on a farm which deals with grain/fodder or livestock is likely to be covered by the Farm Employees Award. Note: this does not apply to dairy farm workers or employees working in market gardens. 

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 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 may 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 and motorcycle)

A mechanic for an automotive repair shop 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 a number of WA awards which apply to clerical and reception staff, and whether a WA award applies to a particular employee, and which particular clerks award applies depends on the nature of the business or organisation.

This list includes some 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: Likely relevant WA award or if no likely WA award applies, then award free is listed
Accounting firm Clerks (Accountants Employees) Award
Architectural firm Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Associations and/or ocieties (including sporting clubs/organisations) Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Bakery Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Beauty salon Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Book keeper business Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Building contractor Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Business consultant Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Bus operator (Tourist, coach and charter) Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Cafe or restaurant Award free
Car yard Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Caravan park Award free
Caravan repair Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Caravan sales Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Catering business Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Child care centre Award free
Chiropractic clinic Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Church Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Club (licensed) Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Contract cleaning Award free
Counsellor Award free
Courier / transport Potentially the Clerks (Customs and/or Shipping and/or Forwarding Agents) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website)
Curtain / blind installation and retail Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Dance studio Award free
Debt collector agency Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Dentist Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award
Doctor (including medical specialists) Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Doctor's surgery Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Electrical contractor Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Equipment / trailer hire Award free
Events company Award free
Forklift sales Award free
Freight company Clerks (Customs and/or Shipping and/or Forwarding Agents) Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website)
Fundraising consultant business Award free
Funeral director Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Gym Award free
Holiday park Award free
Hotel Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Interior designer Award free
Interpreting service Award free
Labour hire business Award free
Law firm (including legal secretary) Award free
Machinery hire service and/or contractors Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Mechanical garage Award free
Motel Clerks (Hotels, Motels and Clubs) Award
Nightclub Award free
Occupational therapy Award free
Optometrist Award free
Optical manufacturer Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Optician Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Panel beater and/or repairer Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Photographic industry Photographic Industry Award
Physiotherapist Award free
Plumbing Award free
Plumbing wholesaler Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Podiatrist Award free
Psychiatrist Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Psychologist Award free
Real estate agent Clerks (Commercial, Social Professional Services) Award
Removalist business Award free
Retail / shop Potentially the Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award, otherwise Award free
Settlement agency Award free
Swimming pool manufacting and retail Award free
Telecommunications Award free
Tourist centre Award free (unless employed by a local government)
Transport business 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 Professional Services) Award
Tyre sales business Clerks (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award
Vet clinic Award free
Wharehouse 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.

    Support worker providing in home care

    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

    Support workers employed directly by a household employer (e.g. the householder or a family member) to provide care for a 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.

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

    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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