General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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Building & Construction Award Classification Levels 2025–26

Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000020

Your classification level under the Building & Construction Award determines your minimum pay rate. Being classified one level too low can cost you $2–4 per hour — more than $3,000 per year for a full-time worker.

Classification levels

Level 1CW/ECW 1(a) — Construction Worker Level 1(a)

Base rate: $25.46/hr · Casual: $31.83/hr

Level 2CW/ECW 1(b) — Construction Worker Level 1(b)

Base rate: $25.96/hr · Casual: $32.45/hr

Level 3CW/ECW 1(c) — Construction Worker Level 1(c)

Base rate: $26.31/hr · Casual: $32.89/hr

Level 4CW/ECW 1(d) — Construction Worker Level 1(d)

Base rate: $26.78/hr · Casual: $33.48/hr

Level 5CW/ECW 2 — Construction Worker Level 2

Base rate: $27.32/hr · Casual: $34.15/hr

Level 6CW/ECW 3 — Construction Worker Level 3

Base rate: $28.12/hr · Casual: $35.15/hr

Level 7CW/ECW 4 — Construction Worker Level 4

Base rate: $29.00/hr · Casual: $36.25/hr

Level 8CW/ECW 5 — Construction Worker Level 5

Base rate: $29.89/hr · Casual: $37.36/hr

Level 9CW/ECW 6 — Construction Worker Level 6

Base rate: $30.68/hr · Casual: $38.35/hr

See also: Pay rates by classification | Am I being underpaid?

Source: Classification levels are defined in the Building & Construction Award (MA000020), published by the Fair Work Commission.

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