Fast Food Industry Award pay rates 2026
Minimum rates for the Fast Food Industry Award (MA000003) from 1 July 2026: 4 classifications on 4 distinct hourly rates, with casual, weekend and junior rates.
This page lists the minimum pay rates under the Fast Food Industry Award by classification. For each role you can see the base hourly and weekly minimum, the casual rate, weekend and public holiday penalty rates, and the junior rates that apply to younger workers.
The Fast Food Industry Award covers takeaway food outlets and quick-service restaurants, including the large burger, chicken, pizza and sandwich chains as well as independent takeaway shops where food is prepared and sold quickly for customers to take away or eat off the premises. It applies to crew members who take orders, prepare and cook food, work the registers and keep the store clean, along with the shift supervisors and team leaders who run a shift and look after other staff. Sit-down restaurants and cafes with table service are usually covered by a different award.
Pay rates by classification
| Classification | Hourly | Weekly | Annual | Casual/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food employee level 1 | $27.81 | $1,056.80 | $55,102 | $34.76 |
| Fast food employee level 2 | $29.45 | $1,119.10 | $58,350 | $36.81 |
| Fast food employee level 3 — in charge of one or no person | $29.91 | $1,136.40 | $59,252 | $37.39 |
| Fast food employee level 3 — in charge of 2 or more people | $30.27 | $1,150.40 | $59,982 | $37.84 |
How the pay scale works
Adult rates in the Fast Food Industry Award run from $27.81 an hour (Fast food employee level 1) to $30.27 (Fast food employee level 3 — in charge of 2 or more people), a spread of $2.46 an hour or 8.8%, $93.60 a week full-time.
The award’s 4 classifications in this dataset share 4 distinct hourly rates.
A casual Fast food employee level 1 is paid $34.76 an hour, 25% above the full-time hourly rate, in place of paid leave.
What changed on 1 July 2026
For the entry classification, Fast food employee level 1:
The hourly rate rose $1.26 (4.7%) from $26.55 on 30 June 2026 to $27.81, and the full-time weekly rate rose $47.90.
Penalty rates
| Day | Fast food | Median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 125% | 150% | 13 of 19 |
| Sunday | 125% | 187.5% | 20 of 20 |
| Public holiday | 225% | 250% | 16 of 22 |
The Saturday rate of 125% is lower than the median of 150% across the 19 awards with a Saturday rate for their entry classification, and ranks 13th.
The Sunday rate of 125% is lower than the median of 187.5% across the 20 awards with a Sunday rate for their entry classification, and ranks 20th.
The public holiday rate of 225% is lower than the median of 250% across the 22 awards with a public holiday rate for their entry classification, and ranks 16th.
Every Fast Food Industry Award penalty rate, by classification
Compared with related awards
| Award | Entry classification | Hourly | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement, Events and Recreation Award | Introductory level employee | $25.74 | 150% |
| Hospitality Industry (General) Award | Introductory level | $25.74 | 150% |
| Restaurant Industry Award | Introductory Level | $25.74 | 150% |
The Fast Food Industry Award entry rate is $2.07 an hour higher than the Amusement, Events and Recreation Award entry rate of $25.74.
The Fast Food Industry Award entry rate is $2.07 an hour higher than the Hospitality Industry (General) Award entry rate of $25.74.
The Fast Food Industry Award entry rate is $2.07 an hour higher than the Restaurant Industry Award entry rate of $25.74.
Allowances
The pay database lists 4 wage-related allowances and 6 expense-related allowances for this award. All-purpose allowances count towards penalty rates, overtime and leave.
| Allowance | Amount | Paid | All-purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Hill allowance | $47.90 | per week | no |
| Cold work allowance—cold chambers; stocking and refilling refrigerated storages | $0.38 | per hour | no |
| Cold work allowance—cold chambers; below 0°C—additional to clause 17.3(a) | $0.59 | per hour | no |
| Cold work allowance—cold chambers; below 0°C—total amount | $0.97 | per hour | no |
| Meal allowance—more than one hour’s overtime without 24 hours’ notice | $17.33 | per occasion | no |
| Meal allowance—if more than 4 hours' overtime without 24 hours' notice—further allowance | $15.66 | per occasion | no |
| Special clothing allowance—laundering—full-time employee | $6.42 | per week | no |
| Special clothing allowance—laundering—part-time or casual employee | $1.28 | per shift | no |
| Motor vehicle allowance—own motor vehicle—engaged primarily for delivery duties | $0.53 | per km | no |
| Motor vehicle allowance—own motor vehicle—engaged other than primarily for delivery duties | $1.00 | per km | no |
Look up a rate
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003), checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.