Trade Certificate/ Certificate III — level 5 pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Trade Certificate/ Certificate III — level 5 under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award (MA000026) from 1 July 2026: $1,119.10 a week full-time, $58,350 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $36.81 an hour, loading included.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $29.45 | $1,119.10 | $58,350 |
| Casual (loading included) | $36.81 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 4th of 8 distinct adult hourly rates in the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award.
The next rate up is Graphic arts employee level 6 at $30.38 an hour, $0.93 (3.2%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Certificate II — level 4 at $27.97 an hour, $1.48 (5%) lower.
It is $3.01 an hour (11.4%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The hourly rate rose $1.33 (4.7%) from $28.12 on 30 June 2026 to $29.45, and the full-time weekly rate rose $50.70.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $29.45100% | $36.81125% |
| Saturday(agreed ordinary hours) | $58.90200% | $73.62250% |
| Sunday(agreed ordinary hours) | $58.90200% | $73.62250% |
| Public holiday | $73.63250% | $92.03312.5% |
The pay database sets no weekend or public holiday rows for this award. These rates apply the percentages in the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (clauses 13.3(e)(iii), 36.3, 11.1(a), 11.1(b)) to the minimum hourly rate, rounded to the cent. Every figure matches the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide. Rates are for day workers outside daily newspaper offices. Weekend rates apply only where ordinary hours on a Saturday or Sunday have been agreed under clause 13.3(e)(ii); other weekend work is overtime (clause 28.3). The casual loading forms part of the casual all-purpose rate (11.1(b)), so casual weekend and public holiday percentages apply to the casual rate.
A week with weekend shifts
| Hours | Rate | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weekday hours | $36.81 | $147.24 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $73.62 | $588.96 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $73.62 | $588.96 |
| Total | $1,325.16 |
That week pays $1,325.16, which is $588.96 (80%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($736.20). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,119.10.
All-purpose allowances
The Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award sets 2 all-purpose allowances, paid on top of the minimum where they apply to the job and counted in penalty rates, overtime and leave: see the allowance table.
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, MA000026, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.