Worker retention payment minimum rates

Providers who get the worker retention payment must pass funding on to eligible workers as a wage increase. This page explains how to correctly pass on the payment.

On this page:

Minimum rate structure

The rates on this page:

  • reflect a 10% wage increase above award rates
  • will be updated to reflect an additional 5% increase from 1 December 2025.

Each classification includes 3 columns:

  • the current minimum hourly rate under each award
  • the new minimum hourly rate (currently 10% above award)
  • the additional minimum hourly amount payable to staff – this is the minimum amount you must add to the current minimum hourly rate to meet the worker retention payment requirement.

How to apply the rates

From 2 December 2024 to 30 June 2025:

  • you must pass on the additional minimum amount (right-hand column) to all eligible workers, even if you already pay above the award.

From 1 July 2025 to 30 November 2025:

  • award rates increased on 1 July 2025 following the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review
  • you no longer need to pass on the additional minimum amount (right-hand column) if you already pay at least 10% above the new award rate
  • you may still choose to pass on the additional minimum hourly amount even if you already pay at least 10% above the new award rate
  • all funding must be used for wages or eligible on-costs.

Rate adjustments

Rates may change due to:

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Workplace instrument requirements

Your workplace instrument must:

  • include an obligation to pay workers at least the minimum rates in the first year of the payment
  • provide for an additional 5% increase in the second year of the payment.

Minimum rates by award

Examples to help you understand