Introductory level pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Introductory level under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award (MA000009) from 1 July 2026: $978.10 a week full-time, $50,998 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $32.18 an hour, loading included.
Rate table in the pay database: Hospitality Employees.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $25.74 | $978.10 | $50,998 |
| Casual (loading included) | $32.18 | — | — |
How this rate compares
This is the lowest adult rate in the Hospitality Industry (General) Award: rank 8 of 8 distinct hourly rates.
The next rate up is Level 1 — Food and beverage attendant grade 1 and 2 other roles at $26.44 an hour, $0.70 (2.7%) higher than this classification.
It is -$0.70 an hour (-2.6%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44. That is within 5% of the legal floor for adult employees.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The hourly rate rose $1.46 (6%) from $24.28 on 30 June 2026 to $25.74, and the full-time weekly rate rose $55.40.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $25.74100% | $32.18125% |
| Saturday | $32.18125% | $38.61150% |
| Sunday | $38.61150% | $45.05175% |
| Public holiday | $57.92225% | $64.35250% |
Resulting hourly rates as published in the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. Casual figures include the casual loading. Percentages are of the minimum hourly rate.
A week with weekend shifts
| Hours | Rate | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weekday hours | $32.18 | $128.72 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $38.61 | $308.88 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $45.05 | $360.40 |
| Total | $798.00 |
That week pays $798.00, which is $154.40 (24%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($643.60). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $978.10.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday - First 2 hours | $38.61 | 150% |
| Monday to Friday - After 2 hours | $51.48 | 200% |
| Weekends and rostered days off | $51.48 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $57.92 | 225% |
All-purpose allowances
The Hospitality Industry (General) Award sets 7 all-purpose allowances, paid on top of the minimum where they apply to the job and counted in penalty rates, overtime and leave: see the allowance table.
Junior rates
Employees under 21 in this classification are paid a percentage of the adult rate, from $11.58 an hour (45% of the adult rate) for under 16 years of age. How junior rates work.
| Age | Hourly | Weekly | % of adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 years of age | $12.87 | $489.06 | 50% |
| 17 years of age | $15.44 | $586.72 | 60% |
| 18 years of age | $18.02 | $684.76 | 70% |
| 19 years of age | $21.88 | $831.44 | 85% |
| 20 years of age | $25.74 | $978.12 | 100% |
| Age | Hourly | Weekly | % of adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 years of age | $11.58 | $440.04 | 45% |
| 16 years of age | $14.16 | $538.08 | 55% |
| 17 years of age | $16.73 | $635.74 | 65% |
| 18 years of age | $19.31 | $733.78 | 75% |
| 19 years of age | $23.17 | $880.46 | 90% |
| 20 years of age | $25.74 | $978.12 | 100% |
Hourly junior rates are published; weekly is hourly × 38.
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, MA000009, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.