What is the minimum wage for a fitter and turner?

The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020. Under that award, a fitter and turner is classified at level C10 (Engineering Tradesperson Level I) and must be paid at least $29.45 per hour or $1,119.10 per week for full-time work. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week applies. Always check if a modern award or enterprise agreement covers your job, as it can set a higher rate.

How is superannuation calculated for a fitter and turner?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. For the 2026-27 financial year, the super guarantee rate is 12%. So if you earn the award minimum of $1,119.10 per week, your employer must also contribute $134.29 per week into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

What if I am covered by an enterprise agreement?

An enterprise agreement can set pay rates that are higher than the award or national minimum, but never lower. If your workplace has a registered enterprise agreement, your minimum wage will be the rate specified in that agreement. You should check the agreement or ask your employer for a copy. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you understand which instrument applies.

Fitter and turner salary: award minimum and weekly take-home pay

A fitter and turner covered by the Manufacturing Award must be paid at least $29.45 per hour or $1,119.10 per week as of 1 July 2026, plus 12% superannuation.

Understanding the fitter and turner salary floor

When researching a fitter and turner salary, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. This guide focuses on the minimum pay you must receive under Australian law, and what that means for your weekly take-home pay after tax and super.

Legal minimum vs award rate

Australia’s national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. However, most fitters and turners are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (the Manufacturing Award). Under that award, a fitter and turner is typically classified at level C10 (Engineering Tradesperson Level I). The minimum rate for C10 from 1 July 2026 is $29.45 per hour or $1,119.10 per week – higher than the national minimum.

It is possible that an enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement sets a rate above the award. Always check which industrial instrument applies to your job. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free advice and can confirm your correct classification.

What the data shows

Jobs and Skills Australia profiles fitters and turners under ANZSCO 323212. The most recent data (2021 Census and 2026 Labour Force Survey) shows that 92% work full‑time, averaging 44 hours per week. The median age is 40, and only 1% of workers are female. Median weekly earnings are not published for this specific six‑digit occupation, so we cannot report a survey average. The best available benchmark is the award minimum.

For comparison, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all occupations were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. The award minimum for a fitter and turner ($1,119.10) is about 54% of that average, reflecting that it is a floor, not a typical salary.

The weekly packet: tax, Medicare, and super on top

Let’s look at the weekly packet for a fitter and turner earning the award minimum. Gross weekly pay: $1,119.10 for 38 ordinary hours. Your employer must also pay 12% super guarantee on top – that’s $134.29 per week into your super fund. The total employment cost to the employer is $1,253.39 per week.

After tax and Medicare for 2026‑27, an employee earning only the award minimum would take home approximately $916 per week (using the resident tax rates with the full tax‑free threshold and 2% Medicare levy above $30,000). This is an estimate only – it excludes the low income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice. For a more precise calculation, use the ATO’s tax withheld calculator or speak to a tax professional.

Remember that the award minimum is a starting point. Many fitters and turners earn more through experience, shift penalties, overtime, or enterprise agreements. The rate tables on this site list the current award and national minimum rates. If you are unsure which pay floor applies, see our guide on which minimum wage applies.

Key takeaways

The legal minimum for a fitter and turner under the Manufacturing Award is $29.45/h or $1,119.10/wk.
The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) applies only if you are award‑free.
Superannuation (12%) is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.
Actual salaries can be higher – check your award or agreement.
Use the guides section for more on allowances, penalties, and how to read your pay slip.