Panel beater salary: minimum rates, award coverage and median earnings

Panel beater salary: what you need to know

If you are researching a panel beater salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is that pay is not a single figure. There is a legal minimum, a typical market rate, and what you might negotiate with an employer. This guide separates those layers using the most current public data from the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and Jobs and Skills Australia.

The legal minimum: award or national minimum wage

Most panel beaters are covered by a modern award – likely the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020. This award sets minimum hourly rates for each classification (e.g., Panel Beater Level 1, Level 2, etc.). From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, all modern award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates (limited to the first six months) must be at least $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you are award‑free (uncommon in this trade), the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $33.05 per hour for casuals (including the 25% loading). Juniors under 21 who are award‑free are paid a percentage of the adult rate – for example, a 20‑year‑old receives 97.7% ($25.84 per hour). Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages.

Important: An enterprise agreement can set a higher rate than the award or national minimum. Always check your employment contract and applicable industrial instrument.

Survey averages: what panel beaters actually earn

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2023, customised report) gives the best picture of typical pay. For panel beaters (ANZSCO 3241):

• Median full‑time weekly earnings: $1,684 before tax
• Median hourly earnings: $39
• Average full‑time hours worked per week: 42 hours
• Share working full‑time: 91% (compared to 69% across all occupations)

These figures are for full‑time non‑managerial employees paid at the adult rate. They exclude part‑time workers and those paid unusually high or low amounts. The median is a better guide than the average because it is not skewed by a few very high or very low earners.

Jobs and Skills Australia also reports that the median age of panel beaters is 44 years (compared to 39 for all occupations) and only 2% are female. The industry profile shows most panel beaters work in motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts manufacturing or automotive repair and maintenance.

How superannuation fits in

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%, and employers must pay it at the same time as wages (payday super). So if your base salary is $1,684 per week, your employer must also contribute $202.08 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your take‑home pay.

Casual loading and penalty rates

If you work as a casual panel beater, your hourly rate includes a loading (typically 25% under the national minimum, but may differ under an award). Penalty rates for overtime, weekends, and public holidays are set by the award. For example, the Vehicle Award may provide time‑and‑a‑half on Saturdays and double time on Sundays. Always check the specific award clauses.

How to find your exact rate

• Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to identify your award and classification.
• Check the Which minimum wage applies guide for an overview of the national system.
• See the Rate tables for current national minimum and junior rates.

Remember: the figures on this site are a guide only. They do not constitute a pay determination or legal advice. Your actual pay may be higher due to an award, agreement, or individual negotiation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for a panel beater?

The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020 (or a similar award). From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but award rates are typically higher. If no award applies, the national minimum is the floor. Check your award classification for the correct rate.

Do panel beaters get casual loading?

Yes, if employed as a casual. Under the national minimum, casuals receive a 25% loading ($33.05 per hour from 1 July 2026). Award‑covered casuals may have a different loading (often 25% or as specified in the award). The loading compensates for lack of paid leave and other entitlements.

How does superannuation apply to panel beater pay?

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid at the same time as your wages (payday super). This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost for the employer.

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