Restaurant Award Pay Rates by Level
Adult minimum rates for full-time and part-time employees under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate as full-time employees at their classification — the difference is hours, not rate. The casual column adds the 25% loading (cl 11.1).
| Classification level | Weekly (38 hrs) | Hourly | Casual hourly (+25%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Level | $978.10 | $25.74 | $32.18 |
| Level 1 | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| Level 2 | $1,029.10 | $27.08 | $33.85 |
| Level 3 | $1,062.90 | $27.97 | $34.96 |
| Level 4 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | $1,189.40 | $31.30 | $39.13 |
| Level 6 | $1,221.10 | $32.13 | $40.16 |
Weekly rates are the award’s minimum weekly rate for a full-time employee (cl 18.1, Table 3); hourly is the weekly rate divided by 38.
Which level am I?
- Introductory Level: A new starter in the restaurant industry who does not yet meet the Level 1 competencies. An employee stays at Introductory Level for up to 3 months while training, then moves to Level 1 unless both agree to up to 3 more months of training (Schedule A.1).
- Level 1: Food and beverage attendant grade 1; kitchen attendant grade 1.
- Level 2: Food and beverage attendant grade 2; cook grade 1; kitchen attendant grade 2; clerical grade 1; storeperson grade 1; door person/security officer grade 1.
- Level 3: Food and beverage attendant grade 3; cook grade 2; kitchen attendant grade 3; clerical grade 2; storeperson grade 2; timekeeper/security officer grade 2; handyperson.
- Level 4: Food and beverage attendant grade 4 (tradesperson); cook grade 3 (tradesperson) — a commis chef or equivalent; clerical grade 3; storeperson grade 3.
- Level 5: Food and beverage supervisor; cook grade 4 (tradesperson) — a demi chef or equivalent; clerical supervisor.
- Level 6: Cook grade 5 (tradesperson) — a chef de partie or equivalent.
Casual Sunday rates split by level, and late nights are a flat dollar amount
A casual at Introductory Level, Level 1 or Level 2 is paid 150% on a Sunday — $39.66 at Level 1, the same as a full-timer — while a casual at Level 3 and above gets 175% ($48.95 at Level 3). Weeknight work after 10.00 pm is not a percentage: it is $2.95 an hour extra until midnight and $4.42 an hour extra after midnight. And the adult rate applies from 20, not 21.
Restaurant Award Pay Guide 2026-27: Every Level, Every Day
The hourly rate for each classification at each penalty band, in the layout of the Fair Work pay guide. Find your level, then the day you worked.
Full-time and part-time
| Classification | Mon–Fri100% | Saturday125% | Sunday150% | Public holiday225% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Level | $25.74 | $32.18 | $38.61 | $57.92 |
| Level 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $39.66 | $59.49 |
| Level 2 | $27.08 | $33.85 | $40.62 | $60.93 |
| Level 3 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $41.96 | $62.93 |
| Level 4 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $44.18 | $66.26 |
| Level 5 | $31.30 | $39.13 | $46.95 | $70.43 |
| Level 6 | $32.13 | $40.16 | $48.20 | $72.29 |
Casual
| Classification | Mon–Fri125% | Saturday150% | Sunday (Intro–Level 2)150% | Sunday (Levels 3–6)175% | Public holiday250% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Level | $32.18 | $38.61 | $38.61 | – | $64.35 |
| Level 1 | $33.05 | $39.66 | $39.66 | – | $66.10 |
| Level 2 | $33.85 | $40.62 | $40.62 | – | $67.70 |
| Level 3 | $34.96 | $41.96 | – | $48.95 | $69.93 |
| Level 4 | $36.81 | $44.18 | – | $51.54 | $73.63 |
| Level 5 | $39.13 | $46.95 | – | $54.78 | $78.25 |
| Level 6 | $40.16 | $48.20 | – | $56.23 | $80.33 |
Casual figures are the award's casual percentages, which already include the 25% loading where it applies. Figures are rounded to the cent. A dash means the column does not apply to that classification.
Restaurant Award Penalty Rates
| When worked | Full-time / part-time | $ on Level 1 | Casual | $ casual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday — 10.00 pm to midnight | 100% + $2.95/hr | $29.39 | 125% + $2.95/hr | $36.00 |
| Monday to Friday — midnight to 6.00 am | 100% + $4.42/hr | $30.86 | 125% + $4.42/hr | $37.47 |
| Saturday | 125% | $33.05 | 150% | $39.66 |
| Sunday — Introductory Level to Level 2Table 8 column 3: a casual at Introductory Level to Level 2 gets 150% on a Sunday — the same percentage as a full-timer, with no extra loading. | 150% | $39.66 | 150% | $39.66 |
| Sunday — Levels 3 to 6 | 150% | $41.96on Level 3 | 175% | $48.95on Level 3 |
| Public holidayPublic holiday pay calculator & dates by state → | 225% | $59.49 | 250% | $66.10 |
Source: cl 24.2, Table 8.
The weeknight penalty is a flat amount on top of the hourly rate, not a percentage: $2.95 for each hour or part of an hour between 10.00 pm and midnight, and $4.42 between midnight and 6.00 am, Monday to Friday. Both are set as 10% and 15% of the Level 4 standard hourly rate (Schedule C.3).
Only the higher penalty is paid where two would apply at the same time (cl 24.3).
By agreement, a full-time or part-time employee can instead be paid 125% on a public holiday and have the same number of hours added to annual leave or take a day off within 28 days (cl 24.4(d)). A public holiday shift is paid for at least 4 hours (full-time and part-time) or 2 hours (casual) (cl 24.4(a)–(b)).
Restaurant Award Overtime Rates
| Overtime worked | Full-time / part-time | $ on Level 1 | Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday — first 2 hours | 150% | $39.66 | 150% · $39.66 |
| Monday to Friday — after 2 hours | 200% | $52.88 | 200% · $52.88 |
| Saturday — first 2 hours | 175% | $46.27 | 175% · $46.27 |
| Saturday — after 2 hours | 200% | $52.88 | 200% · $52.88 |
| Sunday — all time worked | 200% | $52.88 | 200% · $52.88 |
| Rostered day off — all time worked | 200% | $52.88 | – |
Source: cl 23.4, Table 7.
Overtime percentages apply to the minimum hourly rate for casuals too — the award's Schedule B.1.4 prints casual overtime at exactly the full-time dollar figures, without the 25% loading.
Work on a rostered day off is paid at the overtime rate for at least 4 hours (cl 23.1(d)–(e)). Each day's overtime stands alone (cl 23.3).
Restaurant Award Junior Rates
Junior rates are a percentage of the adult rate for the classification (cl 18.2, Table 4), and apply to every classification except liquor service, where a junior must be paid the adult rate (cl 13.5). The dollar columns apply the percentage to Level 1 ($1,004.90 a week), round the weekly figure to the nearest $0.10 as the award requires, and divide by 38. The full adult rate applies from age 20.
| Age | % of adult rate | Weekly on Level 1 | Hourly | Casual hourly (+25%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | 50% | $502.50 | $13.22 | $16.53 |
| 17 | 60% | $602.90 | $15.87 | $19.84 |
| 18 | 70% | $703.40 | $18.51 | $23.14 |
| 19 | 85% | $854.20 | $22.48 | $28.10 |
| 20 and over | 100% | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 |
For how junior scales compare across awards and against the National Minimum Wage, see our junior pay rates guide.
Restaurant Award Allowances
Fixed-dollar allowances in cl 21, operative from 1 July 2026. Each is paid only where the clause’s conditions are met.
| Allowance | Amount | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Meal allowance (overtime of more than 2 hours without notice the previous day)Or the employer supplies a meal. | $17.42 per occasion | cl 21.2(a) |
| Split shift allowance — full-time and part-time | $5.60 per separate work period of 2 hours or more | cl 21.3(b) |
| Tool and equipment allowance — cook or apprentice cook using own toolsUp to a maximum of $9.94 a week. | $2.03 per day or part day | cl 21.4(a) |
Minimum Shifts and Hours
- Casuals must be engaged and paid for at least 2 consecutive hours each time they attend work (cl 11.3).
- Part-time employees must not be rostered for fewer than 3 or more than 11.5 hours in a day, and must have 2 days off each week (cl 10.7).
- A full-time employee works at least 6 and at most 11.5 ordinary hours a day (cl 15.1). An employee under 18 must not be required to work more than 10 hours in a shift (cl 13.3).
What does a restaurant award rate take home?
- Take-home on $25.74/hr (Introductory Level)
- Take-home on $26.44/hr (Level 1)
- Take-home on $27.08/hr (Level 2)
- Take-home on $27.97/hr (Level 3)
- Take-home on $29.45/hr (Level 4)
- Take-home on $31.30/hr (Level 5)
- Take-home on $32.13/hr (Level 6)
Working a mix of shifts? Enter your hours in the weekly pay calculator, or turn a salary into net pay with the take-home pay calculator.
What This Page Does Not Cover
These parts of the award carry rules or rates we have not verified line by line, so we publish no figures for them:
- Apprentice cook rates (cl 18.3 to 18.5, Table 5) and school-based apprentices (Schedule D)
- Annualised wage arrangements
- National Training Wage (Schedule E of the Miscellaneous Award) trainee rates
An enterprise agreement, if one covers your workplace, replaces these award rates — though it must leave you better off overall.
When These Rates Took Effect
Applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, not universally 1 July. If your pay period began before 1 July 2026, the previous rate lawfully applies to that whole period and the rise starts with the next one. The award was varied by determination PR799399 following the Annual Wage Review 2026. If you have been paid below these rates, our backpay calculator works out what is owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restaurant Award questions and answers
What are the restaurant award pay rates for 2026-27?
Under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (MA000119), adult minimum rates run from $25.74 an hour ($978.10 a week) for Introductory Level to $32.13 an hour ($1,221.10 a week) for Level 6. They apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate under the Restaurant Award?
Casuals receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate, so Level 1 becomes $33.05 an hour. Casual penalty rates add the loading rather than multiplying by it — the casual column in the award is the permanent percentage plus 25 percentage points, except sunday — Introductory Level to Level 2 (casual 150%).
What allowances are paid under the Restaurant Award?
The award's allowances clause (cl 21) includes: meal allowance (overtime of more than 2 hours without notice the previous day) $17.42 per occasion; split shift allowance — full-time and part-time $5.60 per separate work period of 2 hours or more; tool and equipment allowance — cook or apprentice cook using own tools $2.03 per day or part day. Allowances are paid on top of the classification rate when the employee meets the clause's conditions.
What are the junior rates under the Restaurant Award?
Junior rates are a percentage of the adult rate for the classification (cl 18.2, Table 4): Under 17 50%, 17 60%, 18 70%, 19 85%. The full adult rate applies from age 20. They apply to every classification except liquor service, where a junior must be paid the adult rate (cl 13.5).
When did the new restaurant award rates start?
Applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, not universally 1 July. The MA000119 rates were varied by determination PR799399 following the Annual Wage Review 2026. If your pay period started before 1 July 2026, the old rate lawfully applies to that whole period.
What is the difference between the Restaurant Award and the Hospitality Award?
The Restaurant Industry Award covers restaurants, reception centres, night clubs, cafés and roadhouses, including catering by a restaurant business. It does not cover a restaurant operated in premises owned or run by an employer under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award (hotels, pubs, accommodation), the Registered and Licensed Clubs Award or the Fast Food Award. The awards have different Sunday rates, junior scales and weeknight penalties, so check which one your employer operates under.
What is the restaurant award Introductory Level?
A new starter who does not yet meet the Level 1 competencies can be paid the Introductory Level rate of $25.74 an hour for up to 3 months while being trained. They then move to Level 1 ($26.44) unless both parties agree to up to 3 more months of training.
What are restaurant award junior rates?
Under 17: 50% of the adult rate; 17: 60%; 18: 70%; 19: 85%; 20 and over: the full adult rate. At Level 1 that is $13.22, $15.87, $18.51 and $22.48 an hour. A junior working as a liquor service employee must be paid the adult rate.
Do casual restaurant workers get the casual loading on overtime?
No. Restaurant award overtime is a percentage of the minimum hourly rate for casuals too — 150% for the first 2 hours on a weekday, 175% for the first 2 hours on a Saturday and 200% after that and on Sundays. At Level 2 that is $40.62, $47.39 and $54.16 an hour, whether full-time or casual.
How these rates were verified▼
Every figure comes from one constants file transcribed on 23 September 2026 from the Fair Work Commission’s consolidated MA000119 award text, which incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2026 (PR799280, PR799399 and PR799554). Clause numbers are cited against each table. Hourly is the published weekly rate divided by 38; derived dollar figures are rounded half up to the cent.
Automated tests pin the published rates, check every hourly rate against its weekly rate, and assert the rules this award is most often modelled wrongly on — including that casual penalties add the loading rather than multiplying by it. Parts of the award we have not verified are listed as gaps rather than estimated.
Sources & References
- 1Consolidated award text — Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (MA000119)— Fair Work Commission
- 2Award summary and pay guide — MA000119— Fair Work Ombudsman
- 3Annual Wage Review 2026— Fair Work Commission
Last verified: 23 September 2026. Our content is based on the latest information from official Australian government sources.
Anita Bell
AuthorFounder & Senior Bookkeeper
Accountancy degree (2015); certified in Xero, QuickBooks Online, MYOB, Saasu, Zoho and Reckon One
Anita Bell earned her accountancy degree in 2015 and has worked as a senior bookkeeper with Prime Bookkeeping for over 5 years. This built her skills in Australian and New Zealand tax legislation and industry regulations. She is certified in Xero, QuickBooks Online, MYOB, Saasu, Zoho and Reckon One, and works with payroll and rostering software including Gusto, Deputy, Tsheets and KeyPay. She has strong experience in hospitality, building and construction, financial services, real estate, ecommerce, and medical and health services.
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