Mechanical fitter salary: award minimums and what to expect

Mechanical fitter salary: the legal floor

When researching a mechanical fitter salary in Australia, the first question is which pay floor applies. Most mechanical fitters are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 (the Manufacturing Award). The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year, but the award almost always requires a higher rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these obligations.

Award classification and minimum rates

Under the Manufacturing Award, a mechanical fitter is typically classified at C10 (general fitter) or a higher level such as C9 or C8, depending on skill, experience, and the specific duties. The award’s minimum weekly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

• C10: $1,119.10 per week / $29.45 per hour
• C9: $1,154.30 per week / $30.38 per hour
• C8: $1,189.40 per week / $31.30 per hour

These are the legal minimums for a full‑time adult employee. If you work as a casual, you receive a 25% loading, making the casual hourly rates $36.81 for C10, $37.98 for C9, and so on. The award also includes driver classifications (D1 to D4) if your role includes driving as a core duty.

National minimum as a backstop

Even if you are award‑free or your classification is unclear, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week). However, the award rate for a mechanical fitter is higher, so the award applies. Introductory rates (first six months in the industry) are $25.74 per hour, but a mechanical fitter with relevant experience would not be on that rate.

What about juniors, apprentices, and trainees?

Not every worker must receive the adult award rate. Junior employees (under 21) who are award‑free have percentage‑based minimums, but under the Manufacturing Award, juniors are paid a percentage of the adult rate for their classification. Apprentices and trainees have separate minimum rates set out in the award. The figures above apply to adult employees with relevant experience.

Survey averages: where to find them

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes median earnings for broad occupation groups, but for the specific 6‑digit ANZSCO code 323211 (Fitters – General) – which includes mechanical fitters – a separate median is not released. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) provides data for the 4‑digit group Metal Fitters and Machinists (3232), but that includes several related roles. As a guide, the median weekly earnings for that group were around $1,800–$2,000 for full‑time adult non‑managerial employees, but this is not a precise figure for mechanical fitters. Always rely on your award or enterprise agreement for the legal minimum.

The weekly packet: tax, Medicare, and super

Understanding your take‑home pay means looking beyond the hourly rate. Here is how the numbers stack up for a mechanical fitter on the C10 minimum.

Superannuation

The superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. For a C10 fitter earning $1,119.10 per week, the employer contributes an extra $134.29 per week into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.

Tax and Medicare

For the 2026–27 income year, the ATO tax rates apply. A single adult earning $1,119.10 per week has an annualised gross of about $58,193. After the tax‑free threshold ($18,200) and the 2% Medicare levy (once income exceeds $30,000), the weekly tax withholding is approximately $130–$150, depending on whether you claim the tax‑free threshold. Use the ATO’s online calculator for your exact situation. Note that the low‑income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice are not included in this simple model.

Example take‑home

• Gross weekly pay: $1,119.10
• Super (on top): $134.29
• Estimated tax + Medicare: ~$140
• Net pay in hand: ~$979

Your actual net will vary based on your tax file number declaration and any additional deductions.

How to check your rate

Your employer must pay at least the award minimum for your classification. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set a higher rate. You can find the full award rates in the Rate tables on this site, or read our guide on Which minimum wage applies to understand your coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for a mechanical fitter?

Under the Manufacturing Award, the minimum for a C10 fitter is $29.45 per hour from 1 July 2026. Your actual classification may be higher.

Does the mechanical fitter salary include super?

No. Super is paid on top at 12% of ordinary time earnings.

How does tax affect a mechanical fitter's take-home pay?

Your employer withholds PAYG tax based on ATO tables. For a C10 fitter earning $1,119.10 per week, expect roughly $130–$150 in tax and Medicare per week, leaving about $979 net.

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