Fast Food Crew Member Pay Rates Australia 2025–26
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000003
Most fast food workers in Australia are crew members — classified as Grade 1 or Grade 2 under the Fast Food Industry Award. The difference between the two grades is small on weekdays but adds up on weekends and public holidays when penalty rates kick in. If your pay looks the same every day regardless of when you work, something is wrong.
A casual crew member working one Sunday shift per week at the wrong rate loses over $2,500 a year.
For the full award overview, see the Fast Food Award pay guide.
Crew member pay rates — Fast Food Award 2025
| Grade | Base (perm) | Casual rate | Saturday (casual) | Sunday (casual) | Public Holiday (casual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | $26.55/hr | $33.19/hr | $39.83/hr | $46.47/hr | $66.38/hr |
| Grade 2 | $28.12/hr | $35.15/hr | $42.18/hr | $49.21/hr | $70.30/hr |
Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000003, effective 1 July 2025. Casual rates include the 25% loading.
Real example
Scenario: Casual Grade 1 crew member. Works 4 shifts per week: 3 weekday shifts (5 hrs each) and 1 Sunday shift (6 hrs). Employer pays a flat $33.19/hr every day.
What they were paid for Sunday: $33.19 × 6 = $199.14
What they should have been paid for Sunday: $46.47 × 6 = $278.82
Underpayment: $79.68 every Sunday. Over 48 working Sundays: $3,824.64 per year.
Why it happens: The employer pays the correct casual weekday rate but never applies the Sunday penalty multiplier. The worker sees a "casual rate" on every payslip and assumes it’s correct.
Public holiday example
Scenario: Same crew member works a 6-hour shift on Christmas Day.
Correct casual PH rate (Grade 1): $66.38/hr × 6 = $398.28
If paid flat casual rate: $33.19 × 6 = $199.14
Underpayment on a single public holiday shift: $199.14.
Common underpayments for crew members
Flat rate regardless of day
If your casual rate is the same on a Sunday as a Tuesday, penalty rates are not being applied. This is the single most common underpayment in fast food.
Grade 1 pay for Grade 2 work
If you have completed any formal training or have been working independently for several months, you should be classified as Grade 2. The difference is small per hour but adds up across all penalties.
No late-night loading
Shifts finishing after 10pm attract a late-night loading under the Fast Food Award. Many fast food employers do not apply this.
Minimum engagement not met
Casual crew members must be paid for a minimum of 3 hours per shift, even if sent home early.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2?
Grade 1 covers entry-level duties: taking orders, basic food prep, cleaning. Grade 2 is for workers who have completed relevant training or have enough experience to work with limited supervision. If you have been there more than a few months and are trusted to work independently, you should be Grade 2.
My employer pays me the same rate on Sundays as weekdays. Is that legal?
Almost certainly not. Under the Fast Food Award, Sunday attracts a 150% penalty rate for permanent employees and a correspondingly higher rate for casuals. If your pay does not change on Sundays, penalty rates are not being applied.
Does casual loading replace weekend penalty rates?
No. The 25% casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. Penalty rates for Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays are separate entitlements that apply on top. Both must be paid.
See also: Junior pay rates · Shift supervisor pay rates · Delivery driver pay rates
Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for the Fast Food Industry Award 2010 (MA000003), effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.