How does casual loading affect a diesel fitter's pay?

Casual employees under the Mining Industry Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 3 diesel fitter on $30.54 per hour would get $38.18 per hour as a casual. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave. Super is still paid on top of the casual rate.

Is superannuation included in the diesel fitter salary figures?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). So if a diesel fitter earns $80,000 gross, the employer pays an additional $9,600 into super. Always check whether a quoted salary includes super or not.

Diesel Fitter Salary: Hourly to Annual Pay, Casual Loading and Super Explained

Q: What is the typical diesel fitter salary in Australia?

The diesel fitter salary varies widely. Under the Mining Industry Award 2020, minimum rates range from $30.54 to $37.62 per hour (including industry allowance). Many mines pay above award under enterprise agreements, with SEEK reporting an average range of $140,000 to $160,000 per year based on job ads. The award is the legal floor; actual pay depends on the employer and site.

For a diesel fitter on the Mining Industry Award, the minimum hourly rate ranges from $30.54 to $37.62, which at 38 hours a week gives an annual gross of $60,350 to $74,360 before super and casual loading.

Converting a Diesel Fitter Salary from Hourly to Annual

If you're looking at a diesel fitter salary, you'll often see an hourly rate in a job ad or award. To compare offers or estimate your annual income, use the simple formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

This article assumes a standard 38-hour week (full-time under the National Employment Standards). If your roster is different, adjust the hours accordingly. The calculator on this site lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading.

Award Rates for Diesel Fitters

The Mining Industry Award 2020 (MA000011) covers most diesel fitters in the mining sector. The award does not name "diesel fitter" at a specific level, but the Maintenance trades group at Levels 3 to 7 typically applies. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide, the minimum hourly rates (including the industry allowance) range from $30.54 (Level 3) to $37.62 (Level 7) as of 1 July 2026.

At 38 hours per week, that gives an annual gross of:

Level 3: $30.54 × 38 × 52 = $60,350
Level 7: $37.62 × 38 × 52 = $74,360

These are the legal minimums. Many mines pay above award under enterprise agreements. The minimum wage page has more on award and national minimum rates.

Market Salary vs Award Minimum

Recruiter data from SEEK shows a diesel fitter salary range of $140,000 to $160,000 per year, with a median of $148,500, based on salaries disclosed in job ads. That is significantly higher than the award minimum. The difference reflects market demand, site location, rosters, and experience. Always check whether a quoted salary includes super or not.

Casual Loading and Super

Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For a diesel fitter on $30.54 per hour, the casual rate is $38.18. The casual loading page explains how this works.

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross earnings. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings (up to $270,830). So if your annual gross is $80,000, your employer pays an extra $9,600 into your super fund. See super and packaging for details.

Tax on Your Diesel Fitter Salary

For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:

Nil up to $18,200
15% from $18,201 to $45,000
30% from $45,001 to $135,000
37% from $135,001 to $190,000
45% above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (unless you're eligible for an exemption). The take-home pay page can help estimate your net income.

Fortnightly Pay

If you're paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly gross by 2. For a diesel fitter on $30.54 per hour, 38 hours a week:

Weekly: $1,160.52
Fortnightly: $2,321.04
Annual: $60,350

Important Notes

The formula assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For more tools, see the hourly conversion page or the average pay page.