Food & Beverage / Manufacturing · Queensland
Food and Bev QLD Labour Hire Rates 2026
$48.60 – $57.35/hr ex-GST
EIR's 2026 published charge rates for food, beverage and tobacco manufacturing labour hire in Queensland (QLD). Covering production, processing, and FMCG facilities across Brisbane, Ipswich, and regional QLD. All rates are all-inclusive: base pay, 12% superannuation, WorkCover QLD, QLD payroll tax (4.75%), casual loading, public liability insurance, and EIR's agency margin. GST is not included.
Current Charge Rates
All rates ex-GST · Award: Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020 · Effective July 2026
| Role / Classification | Standard | 1.5× OT | 2× OT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food, Beverage & Tobacco Level 1 | $48.60/hr | $65.08/hr | $86.77/hr |
| Food, Beverage & Tobacco Level 2 | $49.89/hr | $66.83/hr | $89.09/hr |
| Food, Beverage & Tobacco Level 3 | $51.12/hr | $68.47/hr | $91.28/hr |
| Food, Beverage & Tobacco Level 4 | $52.79/hr | $70.70/hr | $94.27/hr |
| Food, Beverage & Tobacco Level 5 | $54.10/hr | $72.46/hr | $96.60/hr |
| Food, Beverage & Tobacco Level 6 | $57.35/hr | $76.81/hr | $102.41/hr |
All rates are all-inclusive: base Award or EBA pay, 12% superannuation (SG), WorkCover QLD workers' compensation premium, state payroll tax, 25% casual loading, public liability insurance, and EIR's agency margin. GST is not included and will be added to invoices.
What's included in the charge rate?
- ✓Award or EBA base wage (set by Fair Work Australia)
- ✓12% superannuation (Superannuation Guarantee)
- ✓WorkCover Queensland workers' compensation insurance
- ✓Queensland payroll tax (4.75%)
- ✓25% casual loading
- ✓Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- ✓EIR Labour Hire agency margin
You do not need to manage payroll, super, workers' comp claims, or employment obligations for labour hire workers. EIR is the employer of record — your obligation is to provide a safe workplace.
Frequently asked questions
How much does food manufacturing labour hire cost in Queensland?
Food, beverage and tobacco production workers through EIR in QLD cost between $48.60/hr (Level 1) and $57.35/hr (Level 6) ex-GST at standard time. Overtime rates range from $65.08 to $76.81/hr at 1.5× and $86.77 to $102.41/hr at double time.
What is the difference between FBT Level 1 and Level 6?
Under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020, levels reflect skill and responsibility. Level 1 covers entry-level production (basic assembly, packing, weighing). Level 6 covers supervisory and highly skilled process roles. EIR can discuss which level applies to your specific roles.
Does EIR hold a QLD labour hire licence?
Yes. EIR holds a current Queensland labour hire licence under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017. Engaging an unlicensed labour hire provider is an offence for the host employer in QLD.
Other sector rate guides
- Construction NSW — $57 – $95/hr ex-GST
- Construction SA — $56.50 – $80.50/hr ex-GST
- EBA Adelaide — $83.70 – $95.13/hr ex-GST
- Food and Bev SA — $45.35 – $53.53/hr ex-GST
- Manufacturing QLD — $46.70 – $53.41/hr ex-GST
- Manufacturing SA — $47.32 – $54.12/hr ex-GST
- NSW Restoration — $52.50 – $54.20/hr ex-GST
- Restoration QLD — $50.51 – $54.70/hr ex-GST
- Restoration SA — $50.69 – $52.35/hr ex-GST
- Roads and Transport — $49.39 – $51.15/hr ex-GST
- SA Civil — $53.54 – $73.02/hr ex-GST
- Storage and Warehouse QLD — $47.81 – $54.27/hr ex-GST
- Storage and Warehouse SA — $50.81 – $52.73/hr ex-GST
See also: Full 2026 Labour Hire Rates Guide and Labour Hire Rates by State.
Need a site-specific quote?
These are published rack rates. Your actual rate may differ based on shift volume, site location, EBA coverage, and role mix. Call EIR for a tailored quote — usually confirmed within the hour.
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Rates effective July 2026. EIR reviews charge rates annually and following Fair Work Australia wage decisions. Last updated 27 July 2026. All rates exclude GST.