Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award Pay Rates 2026
Minimum pay rates for the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award (MA000026), effective 1 July 2026. 8 classifications, with penalty, casual and junior rates.
This page sets out the published minimum pay rates under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award. You will find the minimum rate for each classification level, along with casual rates and the penalty rates that apply to shift, weekend and public holiday work.
The Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award covers the printing and publishing industry. It applies to commercial and digital printers, prepress and platemaking studios, bindery and finishing operations, packaging and label printers, and publishing houses. The workforce it covers includes press operators and machinists, prepress and graphic reproduction staff, binders and finishing hands, and the apprentices working towards a trade qualification. Classification levels step up in line with formal qualifications, from entry roles through certificate-based trade levels to higher technical grades, so the award reflects both the machine-room trades and the design and prepress side of producing printed work.
Pay rates by classification
| Classification | Hourly | Weekly | Annual | Casual/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $25.74 | $978.10 | $50,998 | — |
| Level 2 | $26.44 | $1,004.90 | $52,395 | — |
| Level 3 | $27.08 | $1,029.10 | $53,657 | — |
| Certificate II — Level 4 | $27.97 | $1,062.90 | $55,420 | — |
| Trade Certificate/ Certificate III — Level 5 | $29.45 | $1,119.10 | $58,350 | — |
| Level 6 | $30.38 | $1,154.30 | $60,185 | — |
| Level 7 | $31.30 | $1,189.40 | $62,015 | — |
| Certificate IV (except as set out in clause 17.3) — Level 8 | $32.13 | $1,221.10 | $63,668 | — |
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Rates current as of 1 July 2026. Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database. Last checked .
Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database, Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026).
General information only — not legal, industrial or financial advice. These are the published minimum rates for information. Your modern award or enterprise agreement prevails if there is any inconsistency. Check the official source above or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your situation.