Under 18 Working Fast Food — What Are My Pay Rights?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000003
You have the same workplace rights as adult workers, but at a junior pay rate. Under the Fast Food Industry Award, workers under 18 receive a percentage of the adult rate based on their age — and are still entitled to penalty rates, breaks, and minimum engagement hours.
The rule
The Fast Food Industry Award (MA000003) sets junior rates as a percentage of the adult rate: 50% at age 15 and under, 60% at 16, 70% at 17, 80% at 18, 90% at 19, and 97% at 20. At 21, you receive the full adult rate. All other award entitlements — penalty rates, break provisions, minimum engagement, overtime — apply equally to junior employees. Your employer cannot use your age as a reason to deny you these rights.
What you should be paid
Grade 1 junior rates
- Age 16 base rate (60%): $15.93/hr
- Age 16 casual rate: $19.91/hr
- Age 17 base rate (70%): $18.59/hr
- Age 17 casual rate: $23.24/hr
- Adult base rate (21+): $26.55/hr
These are minimum rates. Penalty rates (Sunday, public holiday, late night) are calculated as percentages on top of these junior base rates.
What to check on your payslip
- Does your hourly rate match the correct junior percentage for your age?
- Are penalty rates applied on top of your junior rate for weekends and public holidays?
- Are you receiving the 25% casual loading if you're engaged as a casual?
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum pay rate for a 16-year-old in fast food?
A 16-year-old receives 60% of the adult rate under the Fast Food Industry Award. For Grade 1, that's approximately $14.84/hr (60% of $24.73). Casual 16-year-olds receive 60% of the adult rate plus the 25% casual loading.
Do under-18s get penalty rates on weekends and public holidays?
Yes. Junior employees receive the same penalty rate percentages as adults — 150% on Sundays, 250%/275% on public holidays, and late night loadings. These percentages are applied to the junior base rate, not the adult rate, but the penalty entitlement is identical.
Are there restrictions on when under-18s can work in fast food?
While the Fast Food Industry Award doesn't set specific hour restrictions for under-18s, state and territory child employment laws may limit the hours and times that minors can work, particularly on school nights. Check your state's rules — for example, in Victoria, under-15s cannot work during school hours and have limits on shift lengths.
General information only — not legal advice. Verify details at fairwork.gov.au.