Kitchen Hand Pay Rates Australia 2025–26
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000009
Kitchen hands are the most frequently underpaid workers in Australian hospitality. The role attracts people new to the workforce who are least likely to know their rights — and most likely to accept whatever they're paid. If you work as a kitchen hand, there's a high chance your weekend rates, your minimum engagement, or your super aren't right.
If you work as a kitchen hand, kitchen assistant, or dishwasher in any hospitality venue — this applies to you.
For the full Hospitality Award overview, see the Hospitality Award pay guide.
Real example
Scenario: Casual kitchen hand, Level 1. 4-hour public holiday shift.
What they were paid: $0.00/hr (ordinary casual rate)
What should have happened: Public holiday casual rate at Level 1 — $0.00/hr
Underpayment: ~$96 for one 4-hour shift
Why it happens: Same rate every day. Worker doesn't know public holidays attract a different rate. Over a year of public holiday shifts, the total is hundreds.
Kitchen hand pay rates 2025
| Shift type | Permanent | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary weekday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Saturday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Sunday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Public holiday | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Evening (after 7pm) | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Minimum per shift | 3 hours | 3 hours |
Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000009, effective 1 July 2025. Casual rates include 25% loading.
If your Sunday or public holiday rate matches your weekday rate, check your pay now.
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
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⚠️ Common underpayments for kitchen hands
Same rate every day regardless of day
A kitchen hand paid $25/hr on a Sunday is being significantly underpaid. The casual Sunday rate is $0.00/hr — over 40% more than the ordinary weekday rate. This is the most frequent issue in this role.
Minimum engagement not honoured
Sent home after 2 hours? You're legally entitled to 3 hours' pay regardless. Many kitchen hands accept less without knowing they're owed more.
Cash in hand with no payslip
Cash payment isn't illegal — but you're still entitled to the award rate, a payslip, and superannuation. Being paid cash does not allow an employer to pay below the award.
No super paid
Since November 2022 there's no minimum earnings threshold for super. If super isn't on your payslip, it may not be being paid.
Introductory rate kept beyond 3 months
The introductory rate applies for the first 3 months in the industry only. After that, at least Level 1 must apply.
These issues rarely happen in isolation — and even one can result in hundreds or thousands in underpayments per year.
If any of these sound familiar, check your pay now.
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
Frequently asked questions
I’m being paid cash — does the award still apply?
Yes. The payment method doesn’t change your entitlements. You are owed the minimum rates, penalty rates, and superannuation regardless of how you’re paid.
My employer says kitchen hands don’t get penalty rates — is that right?
No — and that claim is wrong. If you’ve been told this, there’s a strong chance your pay is incorrect. Kitchen hands are entitled to full penalty rates under the Hospitality Award.
I haven’t been given a payslip — is that legal?
No. Employers must issue a payslip within one working day of every pay period. Not receiving them is a compliance issue you can raise directly with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Don't guess — small underpayments add up fast.
Enter your shifts below and see exactly what you should have been paid.
It takes 2 minutes — and you'll know for certain if you've been underpaid.
Based on official pay rates from the Fair Work Commission (MA000009).
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000009, effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.