Level 1 Pay Rate 2026
As of 1 July 2026, a Level 1 under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award (MA000026) earns a published minimum of $25.74 an hour ($978.10 a week, about $50,998 a year) full-time before tax.
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.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $25.74 | $978.10 | $50,998 |
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Common questions
How much does a Level 1 get paid?
The published minimum for a Level 1 is $25.74 an hour, which comes to $978.10 for a standard full-time week, or about $50,998 across a year. These rates took effect on 1 July 2026 and are the legal minimum before any allowances, penalties or overtime.
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 for the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award (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.