Restaurant Award pay rates 2026–27
MA000119 · rates as at 1 July 2026 (first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026)
The Restaurant Industry Award covers restaurants, cafes and catering businesses not covered by HIGA. A key difference from the Hospitality Award: casual Sunday rates match Saturday rates (both 150%). These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
Level 2 Casual
e.g. Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 2, Cook Grade 1. Sunday matches Saturday under this award.
| Base (ordinary hours) | $33.85 /hr |
| Saturday | $40.62 /hr |
| Sunday | $40.62 /hr |
| Public holiday | $67.70 /hr |
| Evening (from 10pm) | $36.80 /hr |
Junior rates by age
Junior percentages applied to the restaurant award — level 2 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% | $16.93 | $20.31 | $20.31 | $33.85 |
| 17 years | 60% | $20.31 | $24.37 | $24.37 | $40.62 |
| 18 years | 70% | $23.70 | $28.43 | $28.43 | $47.39 |
| 19 years | 85% | $28.77 | $34.53 | $34.53 | $57.55 |
| 20+ (adult) | 100% | $33.85 | $40.62 | $40.62 | $67.70 |
Common questions
What is the casual restaurant rate in 2026?
A Level 2 adult casual (for example a Food and Beverage Attendant Grade 2 or Cook Grade 1) earns $33.85 per hour for ordinary weekday hours from 1 July 2026, including the 25% casual loading.
Are Sunday rates different from Saturday under the Restaurant Award?
No. For casual employees both Saturday and Sunday are paid at 150% of the permanent base rate, unlike the Hospitality Award where casual Sundays are 175%.
When does the late-night loading apply?
A loading applies to hours worked between 10pm and midnight Monday to Friday, with a higher loading after midnight. Check the Fair Work pay guide for the exact amounts.
Apply these rates automatically
Shiftbreeze prefills Restaurant Award 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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