Hospitality pay rates from 1 July 2026 for baristas, bartenders, waiters and kitchen hands: food and beverage attendant grades under the Hospitality and Restaurant awards, with casual, weekend and public holiday rates.
A barista, bartender or waiter (food and beverage attendant grade 2) gets $27.08 an hour, or $33.85 as a casual. Grade 1 starts at $26.44.
Food and beverage attendant pay rates
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F&B attendant grade 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $1,740 |
| F&B attendant grade 2 | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,029.10 | $53,513 | $1,772 |
| F&B attendant grade 3 | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1,062.90 | $55,271 | $1,817 |
| F&B attendant grade 4 (tradesperson) | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| F&B supervisor | $31.30 | $39.13 | $1,189.40 | $61,849 | $1,985 |
Kitchen attendants grades 1 to 3 are paid the same as food and beverage attendants grades 1 to 3. Casual rates include the 25% loading.
Weekend and public holiday rates (full-time and part-time)
| Classification | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| F&B attendant grade 1 | $33.05 | $39.66 | $59.49 |
| F&B attendant grade 2 | $33.85 | $40.62 | $60.93 |
| F&B attendant grade 3 | $34.96 | $41.96 | $62.93 |
| F&B attendant grade 4 (tradesperson) | $36.81 | $44.18 | $66.26 |
| F&B supervisor | $39.13 | $46.95 | $70.43 |
Casual weekend and public holiday rates
| Classification | Hourly | Saturday | Sunday (hotels, pubs, clubs) | Sunday (restaurants, cafes) | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F&B attendant grade 1 | $33.05 | $39.66 | $46.27 | $39.66 | $66.10 |
| F&B attendant grade 2 | $33.85 | $40.62 | $47.39 | $40.62 | $67.70 |
| F&B attendant grade 3 | $34.96 | $41.96 | $48.95 | $48.95 | $69.93 |
| F&B attendant grade 4 (tradesperson) | $36.81 | $44.18 | $51.54 | $51.54 | $73.63 |
| F&B supervisor | $39.13 | $46.95 | $54.78 | $54.78 | $78.25 |
How it works
- Hotels, pubs, clubs and accommodation are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award; restaurants and cafes by the Restaurant Industry Award. Takeaway shops are usually under the Fast Food award (see fast food rates).
- Juniors get a percentage of these rates by age. Cooks and chefs are on the chef pay page.
- Super is paid on top.
Common questions
What is the barista pay rate in Australia?
Baristas are usually classified as food and beverage attendants. At grade 2 the award rate is $27.08 an hour ($33.85 casual) from 1 July 2026; grade 1 is $26.44 and grade 3 $27.97. The grade depends on your duties and experience.
How much does a bartender get paid?
Bar staff are food and beverage attendants too: $26.44 to $29.45 an hour depending on grade, or $33.05 to $36.81 as a casual. A casual grade 2 bartender gets $47.39 on Sundays in a hotel or pub.
What do waiters get paid?
Waiting staff start at $26.44 an hour (grade 1) or $27.08 (grade 2); casuals get $33.05 and $33.85.
Are cafe and restaurant rates different from pubs and hotels?
The hourly, Saturday and public holiday rates are the same. Casual Sunday rates for levels 1 and 2 are lower under the Restaurant Industry Award (150% instead of 175%).
Do hospitality workers get paid more at night?
Yes, weekday evening and night work attracts an extra hourly amount; the times differ between the two awards.
See also public holiday pay rates, the casual loading calculator and the penalty rates calculator.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for the Hospitality Industry (General) Award [MA000009] and the Restaurant Industry Award [MA000119]. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.