How to Check You're Being Paid the Right Award Rate

Award rates change every year (usually from 1 July) and vary by classification level, so a specific dollar figure written down today is often wrong within months. The reliable way to check your correct pay is the Fair Work Ombudsman's free Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT), which always reflects the current award.

Which award applies to you

Most trades fall under a specific Modern Award — for example the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award, the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award, or the Building and Construction General On-site Award. Which one applies depends on your actual trade and the type of work, not just your job title.

What ‘classification level’ means

Within each award, pay is set by classification level — broadly, how much experience, qualification, and responsibility your role carries. Two people with the same job title can sit on different classification levels, and it's a common (sometimes deliberate) source of underpayment when someone experienced is classified as if they were entry-level.

How to check yours

• Go to the Fair Work Ombudsman's PACT tool (calculate.fairwork.gov.au)
• Select the award that matches your trade and work type
• Enter your classification level, hours, and any weekend/night/public holiday work
• Compare the result to what's actually on your payslip