For help with finding the right rate of pay for a particular employee or job, follow the three steps below.

Step 1 - Are you in the state system?

Two different industrial relations systems operate in WA, the state system and the national fair work system. The two systems have different employment rights and obligations. Which of these two systems covers a particular employee depends on the type of business structure of the employer.

Wageline only provides information on pay rates to employers and employees in the state system. Employers and employees in the national system should visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for pay rate information. 

 Wageline's Guide to who is in the WA state system page has information on which types of businesses and organisations are in the state system. 

Step 2 - Does a WA award apply?

In the state system, many employees are covered by a WA award. WA awards are legal documents that outline pay rates, allowances, working hours, and leave entitlements for employees in a particular industry or type of work. 

If an employee is covered by a WA award, the pay rates, leave entitlements, allowances and penalty rates (such as higher pay for working on the weekend or a public holiday) outlined in the WA award must be provided to the employee, and it is unlawful to provide pay rates or leave conditions below the WA award provisions. 

The WA award coverage for common jobs page lists potential WA award coverage for many common jobs. Award coverage is a complex issue - If you are unsure if a WA award applies to you or your business, please contact Wageline to assist in determining likely award coverage. 

Step 3 - Find the right rate of pay

If an employee is covered by a WA award:

• Wageline's WA award summaries provide pay rates for key WA awards.  
• If your WA award is not listed on the WA award summaries page, all WA awards are available on the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission website. 
• Wageline can answer questions on pay rates under all private sector WA awards - please contact Wageline.

If an employee is award free:

• The Minimum pay rates for award free employees lists pay rates for adult and junior employees.
• Wageline can answer questions on pay rates for award free employees - please contact Wageline.

  If you are unsure - contact Wageline to ask us about pay rates