Student Working in Hospitality — Are Pay Rates Different?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000009
Being a student doesn't change your entitlements — but your age might. If you're under 21, junior rates may apply under the Hospitality Award. But those junior rates still include penalty rates for weekends and public holidays, and they can only apply for as long as you're under 21. Once you turn 21, full adult rates apply from that birthday.
If you're a student working in hospitality — this applies to you.
The rule
Under the Hospitality Award (MA000009), junior rates apply to employees under 21 years of age. They are calculated as a percentage of the adult rate:
| Age | % of adult rate |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | 40% |
| 16 years | 50% |
| 17 years | 60% |
| 18 years | 70% |
| 19 years | 80% |
| 20 years | 90% |
| 21 and over | 100% (adult rate) |
Important exceptions: Junior rates do not apply if you hold a trade qualification or are a liquor service employee — in those cases, adult rates apply regardless of age.
Junior rates still include penalty rates
Many employers apply a flat junior rate every day. Junior rates are still subject to penalty rate multipliers for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.
Example: 18-year-old casual Level 1 working Sunday
- Adult casual Sunday rate: $42.18/hr
- Junior rate (70%): $42.18 × 0.70 = $29.53/hr
If your Sunday rate looks identical to your Tuesday rate as a junior employee, the penalty multiplier isn't being applied.
If your weekend rates look the same as weekday rates, Check your age-based rate →
What this costs you
A worker who turned 21 six months ago and hasn't had their rate updated is being paid at 90% of the adult rate instead of 100%. At Level 2 base, that gap is approximately $2.59/hr. Working 20hrs/week for 6 months: approximately $1,347 in underpayment since the 21st birthday.
What changes on your 21st birthday
On the day you turn 21, adult rates apply from that date. Your employer should update your pay automatically — many don't. If you turned 21 and your rate didn't change, you've been underpaid from that date.
Frequently asked questions
I'm 20 and studying full-time — do junior rates still apply?
Yes. Junior rates apply based on age, not student status. Being a full-time student doesn't change the applicable rate.
I turned 21 six months ago and my rate hasn't changed — can I claim back pay?
Yes. Your employer should have updated your rate on your 21st birthday. The shortfall from that date is recoverable.
I'm 17 and working as a bartender — do adult rates apply because I'm in liquor service?
Yes. Employees in liquor service receive adult rates regardless of age under the Hospitality Award.
Don't guess — check whether the right rate is being applied for your age.
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
General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.