Hospitality Trainee Pay Rates 2025
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000009
Trainees in hospitality are entitled to specific minimum rates — and those rates still include penalty rates for weekends and public holidays. Being a trainee doesn't mean an employer can pay whatever they want. The Hospitality Award sets minimum rates for trainees and apprentice cooks, and all the standard penalty rate provisions still apply on top.
If you're a trainee or apprentice cook in hospitality — this applies to you.
The rule
Under the Hospitality Award (MA000009):
- Introductory level (first 3 months): A rate below the standard Level 1 rate may apply for new entrants in their first 3 months in the industry. After 3 months, at least Level 1 must apply.
- Apprentice cooks: Apprentices have percentage-based rates calculated as a proportion of the Cook Grade 3 rate. These are set by the National Training Wage provisions and vary by year of apprenticeship.
- Traineeships: Workers undertaking a formal traineeship may be on specific trainee rates — but these still have minimum thresholds and all penalty rate provisions apply.
For all trainees: penalty rates for weekends and public holidays still apply. Being a trainee doesn't remove weekend rate entitlements.
Common trainee underpayments
Introductory rate kept beyond 3 months
The introductory rate is for the first 3 months in the industry — not 3 months at a specific venue. After that, at least Level 1 applies.
Penalty rates not applied to trainee shifts
Some employers assume trainee rates are flat regardless of the day. They're not. Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday rates apply to trainees just as they do to any other employee.
Apprentice cook rate applied to non-apprentice cooks
If you haven't signed a formal apprenticeship agreement, you're not an apprentice — you should be classified as a Cook Grade 1 or above under ordinary classifications.
If you've been on the introductory rate for longer than 3 months, Check your trainee rate →
What this costs you
Being held on an introductory rate beyond the 3-month threshold means being paid below Level 1 for every hour worked. Working 20 hours/week past that 3-month mark at the Level 1 rate of $0.00/hr, the shortfall adds up. Over 6 months of incorrect rate, the total can reach hundreds of dollars.
Frequently asked questions
My employer says I'm "just a trainee" so the award doesn't fully apply — is that right?
No. Trainees are covered by the award. The rates may differ from adult rates in some respects, but minimum thresholds and penalty rates still apply.
What year-of-apprenticeship rate should apply to me?
Apprentice rates are percentage-based. Check your formal apprenticeship agreement and compare against the current pay guide. If you're not sure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
When do I move from trainee to standard classification?
At the end of your formal traineeship or apprenticeship, or after 3 months for introductory-level workers. Adult rates apply from that point.
Don't guess — check what your trainee shifts should pay.
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General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.