Amusement, Events and Recreation Award pay rates from 1 July 2026: hourly, weekly and casual rates from the introductory level to Grade 10, Sunday and public holiday rates, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
Grade 1 under the Amusement Award is $26.44 an hour ($33.05 casual). Sundays are $39.66 ($46.27 casual). Open in the pay calculator.
Amusement Award pay rates
| Grade | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.10 | $50,861 | $1,704 |
| Grade 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $1,740 |
| Grade 2 | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,029.10 | $53,513 | $1,772 |
| Grade 3 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1,062.90 | $55,271 | $1,817 |
| Grade 4 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Grade 5 | $30.38 | $37.98 | $1,154.30 | $60,024 | $1,938 |
| Grade 6 | $31.29 | $39.11 | $1,189.20 | $61,838 | $1,985 |
| Grade 7 | $32.13 | $40.16 | $1,221.10 | $63,497 | $2,027 |
| Grade 8 | $33.77 | $42.21 | $1,283.10 | $66,721 | $2,110 |
| Grade 9 | $37.39 | $46.74 | $1,420.90 | $73,887 | $2,297 |
| Grade 10 | $39.76 | $49.70 | $1,510.80 | $78,562 | $2,419 |
Adult rates for employees other than exhibition employees. Full-time weekly rate for 38 hours; take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
Sunday and public holiday rates
| Grade | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Sunday | Casual public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | $38.61 | $64.35 | $45.05 | $70.79 |
| Grade 1 | $39.66 | $66.10 | $46.27 | $72.71 |
| Grade 2 | $40.62 | $67.70 | $47.39 | $74.47 |
| Grade 3 | $41.96 | $69.93 | $48.95 | $76.92 |
| Grade 4 | $44.18 | $73.63 | $51.54 | $80.99 |
| Grade 5 | $45.57 | $75.95 | $53.17 | $83.55 |
| Grade 6 | $46.94 | $78.23 | $54.76 | $86.05 |
| Grade 7 | $48.20 | $80.33 | $56.23 | $88.36 |
| Grade 8 | $50.66 | $84.43 | $59.10 | $92.87 |
| Grade 9 | $56.09 | $93.48 | $65.43 | $102.82 |
| Grade 10 | $59.64 | $99.40 | $69.58 | $109.34 |
Who it covers
- leisure and recreation facilities and centres
- sports, exhibition, convention and amusement complexes
- theme parks
- heritage, tourism and cultural centres
- museums and galleries
- zoos, animal parks and aquariums
- agricultural and horticultural shows
- carnivals and amusement parks
- ten pin bowling venues
- go-kart racing venues
- amusement arcades
- golf facilities such as golf clubs, golf shops and driving ranges
From the Fair Work Ombudsman award summary; it includes food, drink, merchandise and photo services sold inside the venue.
How it works
- The Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020 sets grades by skill and responsibility; exhibition employees have separate rates in the pay guide.
- Casuals get a 25% loading instead of paid leave. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
What is the Amusement Award pay rate?
From 1 July 2026, the introductory rate is $25.74 an hour and Grade 1 $26.44 ($33.05 casual), up to $39.76 at Grade 10.
How much do theme park and zoo workers get paid?
Award-covered staff get at least $26.44 an hour at Grade 1, or $33.05 as a casual, with higher grades for more skilled or supervisory roles.
What is the Sunday rate?
150% for full-time and part-time employees ($39.66 at Grade 1) and 175% for casuals ($46.27).
What is the public holiday rate?
250% for full-time and part-time employees ($66.10 at Grade 1) and 275% for casuals ($72.71).
Does it cover gyms?
No. Fitness centres are covered by the Fitness Industry Award. Check the coverage list below for the venues this award covers.
When do the rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also the Fitness Industry Award, Hospitality Award and the casual loading calculator.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text, Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2020 [MA000080], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.