Hospitality Award (HIGA) pay rates 2026–27
MA000009 · rates as at 1 July 2026 (first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026)
The Hospitality Industry (General) Award (HIGA) covers pubs, hotels, cafes and most hospitality venues in Australia. These are the common Level 1 and Level 2 hourly rates that apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, following the 4.75% increase from the 2026 Annual Wage Review.
Level 1 Casual
e.g. Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 1, Kitchen Attendant Grade 1
| Base (ordinary hours) | $33.05 /hr |
| Saturday | $39.66 /hr |
| Sunday | $46.27 /hr |
| Public holiday | $66.10 /hr |
| Evening (from 7pm) | $36.00 /hr |
Level 2 Casual
e.g. Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 2, Cook Grade 1, Kitchen Attendant Grade 2
| Base (ordinary hours) | $33.85 /hr |
| Saturday | $40.62 /hr |
| Sunday | $47.39 /hr |
| Public holiday | $67.70 /hr |
| Evening (from 7pm) | $36.80 /hr |
Level 2 Full/Part-time
e.g. Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 2, Cook Grade 1 (permanent staff)
| Base (ordinary hours) | $27.08 /hr |
| Saturday | $33.85 /hr |
| Sunday | $40.62 /hr |
| Public holiday | $60.93 /hr |
| Evening (from 7pm) | $30.03 /hr |
Junior rates by age
Junior percentages applied to the hospitality (higa) — level 1 casual figures. The same percentages apply to the other classifications above.
| Age | % of adult | Base /hr | Sat /hr | Sun /hr | PH /hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | 50% | $16.52 | $19.83 | $23.14 | $33.05 |
| 17 years | 60% | $19.83 | $23.80 | $27.76 | $39.66 |
| 18 years | 70% | $23.14 | $27.76 | $32.39 | $46.27 |
| 19 years | 85% | $28.09 | $33.71 | $39.33 | $56.18 |
| 20+ (adult) | 100% | $33.05 | $39.66 | $46.27 | $66.10 |
Common questions
What is the casual hospitality rate in 2026?
A Level 1 adult casual under the Hospitality Award earns $33.05 per hour for ordinary weekday hours from 1 July 2026, which includes the 25% casual loading. Level 2 (for example a Food and Beverage Attendant Grade 2 or Cook Grade 1) earns $33.85 per hour.
What are the weekend penalty rates under the Hospitality Award?
Casual employees receive 150% of the permanent base rate on Saturdays and 175% on Sundays. Full-time and part-time staff receive 125% on Saturdays and 150% on Sundays. Public holidays are 250% for casuals and 225% for permanent staff.
Do juniors get a percentage of the adult rate?
Yes. Employees under 17 receive 50% of the adult rate, 17-year-olds 60%, 18-year-olds 70% and 19-year-olds 85%, reaching the full adult rate at 20. Juniors serving liquor must be paid the adult rate.
Apply these rates automatically
Shiftbreeze prefills Hospitality Award (HIGA) rates into your pay templates — weekend, public holiday, evening and junior rates included — and your roster prices every shift as you build it. $60/month flat for your first 10 staff, free trial, no card needed.
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