Introductory Level pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Introductory Level under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119) from 1 July 2026: $978.10 a week full-time, $50,998 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $32.18 an hour, loading included.
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 Restaurant Industry Award: rank 7 of 7 distinct hourly rates.
The next rate up is Level 1 — Food and beverage attendant grade 1 and 1 other role 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% | $38.61150% |
| Public holiday | $57.92225% | $64.35250% |
| Public holiday - time added to annual leave by agreement | $32.18125% | — |
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 | $38.61 | $308.88 |
| Total | $746.48 |
That week pays $746.48, which is $102.88 (16%) 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% |
| Saturday - First 2 hours | $45.05 | 175% |
| Saturday - After 2 hours | $51.48 | 200% |
| Sunday - all time worked | $51.48 | 200% |
| Rostered day off - all time worked | $51.48 | 200% |
Junior rates
Employees under 21 in this classification are paid a percentage of the adult rate, from $12.87 an hour (50% of the adult rate) for under 17 years of age. How junior rates work.
| Age | Hourly | Weekly | % of adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 years of age | $12.87 | $489.10 | 50% |
| 17 years of age | $15.44 | $586.90 | 60% |
| 18 years of age | $18.02 | $684.70 | 70% |
| 19 years of age | $21.88 | $831.40 | 85% |
| 20 years of age | $25.74 | $978.10 | 100% |
Weekly junior rates are published; hourly is weekly ÷ 38.
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, MA000119, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.