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Award vs EBA: what your hour is actually worth

Pick a CW classification, add your EBA uplift and site allowance, and see the all-purpose rate flow through overtime, weekends and a full 38-hour week — including the allowances most calculators forget.

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What is an hour worth under MA000020?

All-purpose allowances are included in the base before penalties, the way the award requires.

%
$
Award versus EBA rate comparison for CW3 Level 3 — tradesperson
RateAwardYour EBADifference
Ordinary hour$33.41$42.32+$8.91
Overtime 150%$50.11$63.49+$13.37
Overtime 200%$66.82$84.65+$17.83
Saturday 150%$50.11$63.49+$13.37
Sunday 200%$66.82$84.65+$17.83
38-hour week$1269.58$1608.30+$338.72

Award figures are indicative MA000020 rates as at August 2026, including the industry allowance ($3.11/hr) and tool allowance ($0.90/hr) treated as all-purpose. Always check the current award and your agreement — this is a comparison aid, not advice.

Award guidesHow EBAs get built

Rate questions

Why is the award rate higher than the base rate in the award table?

Because the industry and tool allowances are all-purpose: they form part of the rate that overtime and penalties are calculated on. Leaving them out of the base is the most common construction underpayment.

Is my EBA always better than the award?

Usually on base rates, but not always clause by clause. The better-off comparison happens per entitlement, which is why we build both and apply the more favourable rule.

How often do award rates change?

Annually, from the Fair Work Commission's minimum wage decision, effective the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Agreement rates step on their own anniversary dates.

Can I rely on these figures for a pay run?

No. They're indicative for comparison. Pay runs should come from the current award text and your registered agreement, which is exactly what our engine holds.

Rates indicative as at August 2026. Check the current award and your agreement before paying.