Roof plumber salary: what the minimum is and how award rates compare

Roof plumber salary: legal minimums and award coverage

When you search for a "roof plumber salary", you are likely looking for a reliable figure that tells you what you should be paid or what you should pay a qualified tradesperson. In Australia, the answer depends on several layers: the national minimum wage, the relevant modern award, any enterprise agreement, and market conditions. This guide separates those layers so you can understand which pay floor applies and how a rate compares with it.

The national minimum wage as the floor

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee working 38 ordinary hours. This is the absolute legal minimum for award-free employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply to national-system employees.

However, very few roof plumbers would be paid at the national minimum wage. Most are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates for each classification. The national minimum wage acts as a backstop: no award classification can fall below it, but award rates are typically higher.

Award coverage for roof plumbers

Roof plumbers are covered by the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers Award (MA000036). This award sets out minimum wages, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime for employees doing plumbing work, including roof plumbing. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for this award, which lists hourly and weekly rates for different classifications, such as plumber (general), roof plumber, and gasfitter. The rates include industry allowances and tool allowances where applicable.

Because the exact award rates depend on the classification level and whether the employee is daily hire, weekly hire, or casual, we do not reproduce a single figure here. You should consult the pay guide or the Pay and Conditions Tool on the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find the rate that applies to your specific job. The award rates are updated each year following the Annual Wage Review, with the latest increase taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 (a 4.75% increase on most award rates).

How award rates compare with the national minimum

Award rates for roof plumbers are generally higher than the national minimum wage. For example, under the Building and Construction General On-site Award (which covers roof tilers but not roof plumbers), a Level 3 roof tiler earns $32.43 per hour for ordinary time. The Plumbing award is likely similar or higher for a qualified roof plumber. The award also includes penalty rates for overtime, weekend work, and public holidays, which can significantly increase weekly earnings.

It is important to note that an enterprise agreement can set rates that are higher than the award, but never lower. If your workplace has an agreement, that agreement replaces the award for most purposes, provided it passes the better-off-overall test.

Using averages as a benchmark

While award rates are the legal minimum for your industry, actual salaries can be higher due to experience, qualifications, or market demand. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings data, but it does not provide a specific figure for roof plumbers. The most recent ABS data (May 2026) shows that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all industries are $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings (including part-time) are $1,579.20 per week. These figures include overtime and bonuses but are not specific to the plumbing trade.

For a more targeted benchmark, you might look at industry surveys or job advertisements. However, those figures are not official and can vary widely. The safest reference point is the award rate for your classification, plus any applicable allowances and penalty rates.

Superannuation on top

Whenever a roof plumber salary is discussed, remember that superannuation is paid on top of the ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This means if your ordinary hourly rate is $30, your employer must contribute an additional $3.60 per hour into your super fund. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra cost for the employer. When comparing job offers, always consider the total package including super.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

Some roof plumbers are employed under enterprise agreements that set higher wages than the award. These agreements are negotiated between employers and employees (or their unions) and must be approved by the Fair Work Commission. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, your minimum pay is the rate in that agreement, not the award. Similarly, individual contracts can offer more than the award, but they cannot undercut it.

Where to get your exact rate

To find the precise minimum rate for your job, start with the Which minimum wage applies guide on this site. Then use the Rate tables to see the national minimum and award-free junior rates. For award-covered employees, the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool is the most reliable source. You can also check the Guides section for more details on how pay is calculated.

Remember, this site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always verify your entitlements with the relevant award or agreement, and consult the Fair Work Ombudsman if you are unsure.