Private sector employers and employees
Telephone: 1300 655 266
Mailing address
Locked Bag 100
East Perth WA 6892
This information is only relevant to employers and employees in the WA state industrial relations system.
An accountant is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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.
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).
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.
An arborist is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
A automotive electrician is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.
An automotive spraypainter is likely to be covered by the Vehicle Builders Award.
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.
A barber working in a barber shop is likely to be covered by the Hairdressers Award.
A barista working in a cafe or restaurant is likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award.
There are several WA awards covering the work of a barperson. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:
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.
A bee keeper is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
A bicycle mechanic is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.
A boilermaker is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.
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.
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.
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.
A butcher working in a retail butcher's shop is likely to be covered by the Meat Industry Award.
A cabinet maker or installer is likely to be covered by Furniture Trades Industry Award.
A cake decorator or baker is likely covered by the Pastrycooks Award.
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.
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.
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:
There are several WA awards covering the work of a cleaner. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:
See Receptionist / clerical employee below.
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).
A coach is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
Employees working in IT are generally award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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).
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.
A dance teacher is likely to be to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
A dental assistant is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award.
A dental hygienist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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).
A dental assistant is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award.
A dental technician is likely to be covered by the Dental Technicians and Attendant/Receptionists Award.
A dog or pet groomer is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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:
The WA award which applies to an electrician depends on the type of business:
An events coordinator is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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.
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.
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.
An employee working in a florist shop is likely to be covered by the Shop and Warehouse (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award.
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.
A furniture removalist is likely to be covered by the Transport Workers (General) Award.
Employees working as garage door installers/repairers are likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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.
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.
There are several WA awards covering the work of a guest service worker. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:
A gym instructor is likely to be covered by the Health Attendants Award (links to the WA Industrial Relations Commission website).
A hairdresser employed in a hair salon is likely to be covered by the Hairdressers Award.
A receptionist or clerical worker employed in a hair salon is likely to be covered by the Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional Services) Award.
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.
A kitchenhand employed in a lunch bar, cafe or roadhouse is likely to be covered by the Restaurant, Tearoom and Catering Workers Award.
A landscape gardener working in a private sector business is likely to be covered by the Landscape Gardening Industry Award.
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.
A locksmith may be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.
A machinist in metal fabrication is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.
There are several WA awards covering the work of a maitre'd. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:
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.
A mechanic for an automotive repair shop is likely to be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award.
A nail technician is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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.
A natural therapist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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).
A panel beater at a panel beater shop is likely to be covered by the Vehicle Builders Award.
A pharmacist is likely to be covered by the Retail Pharmacists Award.
A pharmacy assistant is covered by the Shop and Warehouse (Wholesale and Retail Establishments) Award.
A photographer and employees working in the photographic industry are likely to be covered by the Photographic Industry Award.
A physiotherapist is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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).
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.
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.
A real estate agent is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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.
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.
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).
An employee working as a furniture removalist is likely to be covered by the Transport Workers (General) Award.
A security guard is likely to be covered by the Security Officers Award.
A service station attendant is likely to be covered by the Motor Vehicle (Service Station, Sales Establishments, Rust Prevention and Paint Protection) Industry Award.
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:
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.
A spraypainter is likely to be covered by the Industrial Spraypainting and Sandblasting Award.
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.
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 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.
A tennis coach is likely to be award free. Visit the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
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.
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.
A tree lopper is likely to be award free. View the Award free employees minimum pay rates and entitlements summary.
A trolley collector employed by a trolley collection contractor will be covered by the Contract Cleaners Award.
A veterinary nurse is likely to be covered by the Animal Welfare Award.
Grape harvesting or other vineyard work is likely to be covered by the Wine Industry Award.
There are several WA awards covering the work of wait staff. The award that applies will depend on the type of business:
A welder may be covered by the Metal Trades (General) Award, the Building Trades (Construction) Award or the Building Trades Award.
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.
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