About awards

Read our information on industry and occupation awards.

On this page:

What’s an award

An award (modern award) is a legal document that outlines minimum pay rates and conditions of employment.

An award applies to an employer and employees depending on the industry they work in and the type of job worked. Every award has information about who it covers.

Awards don’t apply when an employer has an enterprise agreement in place.

What’s in an award

Each award has rules (terms) for a specific industry or occupation. These rules cover entitlements like:

  • pay rates
  • penalty rates and allowances
  • hours of work
  • breaks
  • rosters
  • overtime.

If an employee is covered by an award, they get their entitlements from there. This is in addition to the minimum entitlements set out in the National Employment Standards (NES).

Working out which award applies

There are different ways to work our which award applies, including:

  • using our 3-step Find my award tool or our Pay and Conditions Tool to help work out your award coverage
  • reading an award’s coverage clause (usually clause 4) and job classifications (usually in the pay clause or a schedule), or
  • accessing our Award summaries page and checking whether an award applies to you.

A full list of awards can be found on our List of awards page.

If you need advice on award coverage information that’s not covered on our website, Contact us.

Difference between an award an agreement

An award is different from an enterprise agreement.

An enterprise agreement sets out minimum employment conditions (like an award) but applies to one business or a group of businesses.

Enterprise agreements are the result of a bargaining process between an employer or group of employers and their employees. They are tailored to the circumstances of the business or businesses involved.

The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) reviews and approves enterprise agreements. The Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal.

Learn how to find an enterprise agreements and check entitlements and obligations from our Agreements section.

Difference between an award and an employment contract

An award is also different from an employment contract.

An award covers many employees, while an employment contract is an agreement between an employer and an individual employee.

An employment contract sets out terms and conditions of employment. It can apply in addition to an award or enterprise agreement but can’t leave the employee worse off. It can’t provide for less than the legal minimum entitlements set out in the NES or their award or agreement.

A contract can be in writing or verbal.

For more information, go to Employment contracts.

Employers covered by more than one award

An employer can be covered by more than one award depending on the jobs the employees do.

Example: 2 awards applying to one employer

Steve runs a building and construction business. He has qualified carpenters as well as office staff who do administration work. 2 awards will apply to his business:

  • Building and Construction Award – for his qualified carpenters
  • Clerks Award – for his office staff.

Source reference for page: Fair Work Act 2009 part 2-3

Tools and resources

Related information