Fitter and Turner Salary in Australia
If you’re searching for a fitter and turner salary, you’ve probably noticed that precise figures are hard to come by. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for the occupation of fitter and turner (ANZSCO 323212) because the sample size is too small to produce a reliable estimate. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a good idea of what you might earn. This article explains how to use national averages, award rates, and state data to estimate your pay.
What the Official Data Says
The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (August 2025) provides median weekly earnings for broad occupation groups, but not for 6-digit codes like fitter and turner. Jobs and Skills Australia also lists the median weekly earnings for this occupation as “N/A” for the same reason. The most recent data available is from the 2021 Census, which shows that fitters and turners work an average of 44 hours per week, with 92% working full-time. The median age is 40, and only 1% of workers are female.
Without a direct median, you can use the national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings as a reference point. According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, this figure is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52). This is the average across all full-time workers in Australia, not just fitters and turners. Your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on your industry, location, and experience.
Using Award Rates to Estimate Your Pay
Most fitters and turners are covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates of pay for each classification. From 1 July 2026, following the Annual Wage Review 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%. A fitter and turner is typically classified at the C10 level (tradesperson) or higher. The C10 hourly rate is approximately $30.00 per hour, which equates to $1,140 per week on a 38-hour week, or about $59,280 per year. However, many fitters and turners earn above the award rate, especially in industries like mining, oil and gas, or heavy engineering.
If you are covered by an enterprise agreement or an individual contract, your pay may be significantly higher. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for tradespeople are well above that. To find your exact minimum entitlement, check the Fair Work Commission’s database or consult your employer.
Comparing to National Benchmarks
Place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average of $2,083.70 per week. The site also shows the full-time median of about $1,741 per week ($90,532 per year) and the all-employees median of about $1,425 per week ($74,100 per year) from the ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025. These figures are for all occupations, but they give you a sense of where a fitter and turner’s pay might sit.
For example, if you earn $1,800 per week as a fitter and turner, you are above the all-employees median but below the full-time average. If you earn $2,200 per week, you are above both the full-time average and the median. Remember that the average is pulled up by high earners in sectors like mining and professional services.
State-by-State Differences
Where you work has a big impact on your pay. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, provides full-time adult ordinary time earnings by state and territory. States and territories shows the annualised figures:
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
Western Australia stands out because of the resources sector, where fitters and turners are in high demand. If you work in WA, you can expect a premium over the national average. In contrast, Tasmania and South Australia have lower averages, partly due to a different industry mix.
How Your Pay Is Taxed
Once you know your annual salary, you can estimate your take-home pay using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- Nil tax on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (before any reductions). For a fitter and turner earning $80,000 per year, the tax would be about $16,500 plus Medicare, leaving around $62,000 after tax. Use the Guides for more on tax and salary packaging.
Where to Find More Data
The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year, in May and November. The next release is due in February 2027. For occupation-specific data, the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours is the best source, but it only provides medians for broad groups. Jobs and Skills Australia also profiles occupations, but as noted, the median for fitters and turners is not available.
If you want to compare your pay to others in similar roles, consider looking at industry medians. Industry medians shows data for sectors like manufacturing, mining, and construction. Fitters and turners often work in manufacturing (average full-time ordinary time earnings $2,197.90 per week in education & training, but manufacturing is not separately listed in the ABS table; however, the “Other services” category is $1,621.70). For a more precise comparison, check the ABS data for the industry you work in.
Final Thoughts
While there is no official fitter and turner salary figure, you can build a reliable estimate using award rates, national averages, and state data. The key is to understand that your pay depends on your classification, location, and the specific industry you work in. Use the tools on this site to Place a salary on the line and see where you stand relative to the national average. For more information on how the figures are set, see How the figures are set.
Remember that the figures on this site are averages and medians, not guarantees. Your actual salary may be higher or lower based on your skills, experience, and negotiations.