Do casual crane operators get a higher rate?

Yes. Under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020, casual employees receive a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For a Level 1 casual, that means a minimum of $38.91 per hour (ordinary rate of $31.13 plus 25%). Penalty rates and overtime then apply on top of that loaded rate.

What if I work at a higher classification than Level 1?

The award has seven levels (MCE1 to MCE7). If you perform duties that fit a higher level, you must be paid at least the minimum rate for that level for the whole day. For example, MCE7 minimum hourly rate is $37.06 (including industry allowance) from 1 July 2026. Check the classification descriptions in Schedule A of the award to see which level matches your work.

Can my employer pay me less than the award rate if we have an enterprise agreement?

An enterprise agreement can set different rates, but they must not be less than the award rate overall when all entitlements are considered. The agreement must pass the better off overall test (BOOT). In practice, many crane operators on enterprise agreements earn above the award minimum. Always compare your total package, including penalties and allowances, against the award.

Crane Operator Salary: Award Minimums, Median Earnings and How to Check Your Rate

The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 mobile crane employee under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 is $31.13 (including industry allowance) from 1 July 2026, while the ABS reports a median weekly earnings of $3,031 for crane, hoist and lift operators.

What is the crane operator salary minimum?

If you operate a mobile crane for hire, your pay is most likely covered by the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 (MA000032). This award sets minimum wages, allowances, penalty rates and overtime for employees in the mobile crane hire industry. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules, while the Fair Work Commission sets the rates through annual wage reviews.

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 Mobile Crane Employee (MCE1) is $29.45 per hour, plus an all-purpose industry allowance of $63.79 per week. Because the allowance is paid for every ordinary hour, the effective minimum hourly rate becomes $31.13 ($29.45 + $63.79 ÷ 38). This is the legal floor for a full-time adult employee at the entry classification.

Award minimum rates for mobile crane employees

The award has seven classification levels. The table below shows the minimum weekly and hourly rates (including the industry allowance) from 1 July 2026, as published by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Level	Minimum weekly rate	Minimum hourly rate
MCE1	$1,182.89	$31.13
MCE2	$1,218.09	$32.06
MCE3	$1,253.19	$32.98
MCE4	$1,284.89	$33.81
MCE5	$1,346.89	$35.45
MCE6	$1,373.29	$36.14
MCE7	$1,408.29	$37.06

Note: The weekly rate is the hourly rate multiplied by 38 ordinary hours. The industry allowance is included in these figures.

How does the crane operator salary compare to the national minimum?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Every award rate must be at least this amount. Because the Mobile Crane Hiring Award rates are higher, the award is your starting point. If you are award‑free (rare in this industry), the national minimum would apply, but most crane operators are covered by the award or an enterprise agreement.

Survey data: median earnings from the ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, through Jobs and Skills Australia, reports that crane, hoist and lift operators had median full‑time weekly earnings of $3,031 in May 2023 (latest available). That is well above the award minimum. However, the same data shows average full‑time hours of 50 per week, meaning the median hourly rate is about $60.62. This figure is a survey average, not a legal minimum. Many operators earn more through experience, higher classifications, overtime, and site allowances.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings. For a Level 1 employee on the award minimum, that adds about $3.74 per hour to your total remuneration package. The super is paid into a fund of your choice (or your employer’s default fund) and is not taken out of your hourly rate.

Practical check: compare your hourly rate

To see if you are being paid correctly:

Find your classification level in Schedule A of the award. Your employer should tell you your level.
Check that your ordinary hourly rate (excluding overtime and penalties) is at least the minimum for that level.
Add any applicable allowances (e.g., industry allowance is already included in the rates above).
If you are casual, multiply the ordinary rate by 1.25 to get the minimum casual rate.

If your rate is lower, you may be underpaid. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice. Remember, an enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement can set a higher rate, but never a lower one.

For more detail on how minimum wages work across different industries, see Which minimum wage applies. You can also browse Rate tables for other awards.

What if you are not covered by the Mobile Crane Hiring Award?

Some crane operators work in construction, mining, or manufacturing under different awards (e.g., the Building and Construction General On‑Site Award or the Manufacturing Award). If your employer is not in the mobile crane hire industry, check your specific award. The national minimum wage is the ultimate backstop for award‑free employees.

Key takeaways

The crane operator salary minimum under the Mobile Crane Hiring Award 2020 is $31.13 per hour for Level 1 (from 1 July 2026).
Most crane operators earn well above this, with ABS median weekly earnings of $3,031.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.
Always check your classification and any applicable allowances to ensure you are receiving at least the award rate.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.