Restaurant Award pay rates from 1 July 2026: every level from introductory to cook grade 5, with the waiter, kitchen, cook, clerical and security classifications at each level, casual, weekend, public holiday and late night rates, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
Restaurant workers start at $26.44 an hour at Level 1 ($33.05 casual). Waiters and cooks at Level 2 get $27.08; a tradesperson cook (Level 4) gets $29.45. Open in the pay calculator.
Restaurant Award pay rates by level
| Level and classifications | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory level: New to the restaurant industry and not yet at level 1 competency; up to 3 months while training | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.10 | $50,861 | $1,704 |
| Level 1: Food and beverage attendant grade 1; kitchen attendant grade 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $1,740 |
| Level 2: Food and beverage attendant grade 2; cook grade 1; kitchen attendant grade 2; clerical grade 1; storeperson grade 1; door person/security officer grade 1 | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,029.10 | $53,513 | $1,772 |
| Level 3: Food and beverage attendant grade 3; cook grade 2; kitchen attendant grade 3; clerical grade 2; storeperson grade 2; timekeeper/security officer grade 2; handyperson | $27.97 | $34.96 | $1,062.90 | $55,271 | $1,817 |
| Level 4: Food and beverage attendant grade 4 (tradesperson); cook grade 3 (tradesperson); clerical grade 3; storeperson grade 3 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Level 5: Food and beverage supervisor; cook grade 4 (tradesperson); clerical supervisor | $31.30 | $39.13 | $1,189.40 | $61,849 | $1,985 |
| Level 6: Cook grade 5 (tradesperson) | $32.13 | $40.16 | $1,221.10 | $63,497 | $2,027 |
Adult rates; every classification at a level has the same rate. 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.
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Level | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Saturday | Casual Sunday | Casual public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory level | $32.18 | $38.61 | $57.92 | $38.61 | $38.61 | $64.35 |
| Level 1 | $33.05 | $39.66 | $59.49 | $39.66 | $39.66 | $66.10 |
| Level 2 | $33.85 | $40.62 | $60.93 | $40.62 | $40.62 | $67.70 |
| Level 3 | $34.96 | $41.96 | $62.93 | $41.96 | $48.95 | $69.93 |
| Level 4 | $36.81 | $44.18 | $66.26 | $44.18 | $51.54 | $73.63 |
| Level 5 | $39.13 | $46.95 | $70.43 | $46.95 | $54.78 | $78.25 |
| Level 6 | $40.16 | $48.20 | $72.29 | $48.20 | $56.23 | $80.33 |
Monday to Friday late night work adds $2.95 an hour from 10pm to midnight and $4.42 from midnight to 6am.
How it works
- The Restaurant Industry Award 2020 covers restaurants, mainly eat-in cafes, reception centres, tea rooms and night clubs.
- New starters can be on the introductory level for up to 3 months while training.
- Juniors get a percentage of the adult rate, except those serving alcohol; see barista pay for junior rates.
- Casuals get a 25% loading instead of paid leave. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
What are the Restaurant Award pay rates?
From 1 July 2026, Level 1 (food and beverage or kitchen attendant grade 1) is $26.44 an hour, or $33.05 casual. Level 2 (including waiters and cooks grade 1) is $27.08, and a tradesperson cook at Level 4 gets $29.45.
What is the Restaurant Award Sunday rate?
150% for full-time and part-time employees ($40.62 at Level 2). Casuals at the introductory level and Levels 1 and 2 get 150% too ($40.62), and casuals at Level 3 and above get 175%.
Is there a late night rate?
Yes. Monday to Friday, an extra $2.95 an hour (or part) from 10pm to midnight and $4.42 from midnight to 6am.
What is the Restaurant Award public holiday rate?
225% for full-time and part-time employees ($60.93 at Level 2) and 250% for casuals ($67.70).
Who does the Restaurant Award cover?
Businesses that mainly sell food and drinks to be eaten on the premises: restaurants, eat-in cafes, reception centres, tea rooms and night clubs. Restaurants run by hotels and clubs are not covered (they are usually under the Hospitality award), and takeaway shops are under the Fast Food award.
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 Hospitality Award pay, chef salary, Fast Food Award pay and the penalty rates calculator.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text, Restaurant Industry Award 2020 [MA000119], 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.