Payroll & Awards: What Electricians Need to Know

Paying your staff isn't just about the hourly rate. The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award (MA000025) is one of the most complex in Australia. Mistakes here can lead to massive back-pay claims.

1. Travel & Fares Allowance

Under the Award, most electricians are entitled to a daily Travel Allowance if they start and finish on the job site (rather than at the depot). This compensates them for the lack of secure parking and carrying tools.

2. Apprentices

Apprentice wages increase not just by year (1st Year, 2nd Year), but often by competency. You must also pay their trade school fees and travel costs to TAFE.

3. Overtime & RDOs

Are you tracking Rostered Days Off (RDOs)? The industry standard is a 38-hour week, often worked as 40 hours with 2 hours banked towards an RDO. If you don't track this accrual in Xero, you will have a liability nightmare.