Waitstaff Pay Rates Australia 2025–26
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000009
If you work as waitstaff in Australia, there's a high chance your weekend rates aren't applied correctly. A flat hourly rate for every shift — weekday, Saturday, Sunday — is one of the most frequently used underpayment tactics in the industry. This page shows exactly what you're owed.
If you work as waitstaff, a food and beverage attendant, or a floor attendant in any hospitality venue — this applies to you.
Real example
Scenario: Casual waitstaff, Level 2. 6-hour Saturday evening shift — 5pm to 11pm.
What they were paid: $0.00/hr flat
What should have happened: Saturday casual rate ($0.00/hr) + evening loading after 7pm (+$0.00/hr)
Underpayment: ~$40–60 for that single shift
Why it happens: Employer pays one casual rate every day. Weekend multipliers and evening loadings are never applied.
Waitstaff pay rates 2025 — Hospitality Award
Most waitstaff are classified at Level 2 or Level 3. If you supervise other staff, train new employees, or handle complex customer situations independently — Level 3 applies.
| Level | Ordinary (casual) | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
| Level 3 | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr | $0.00/hr |
Rates are casual. Permanent rates differ — see the full pay rates table. Based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000009, effective 1 July 2025.
If your Sunday pay looks similar to a Tuesday, 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 waitstaff
Same rate every day of the week
Sunday casual should be $0.00/hr at Level 2. A flat $31/hr or $32/hr on a Sunday is significantly underpaid.
Split shift allowance never paid
Working lunch and dinner service with a break between? If that break exceeds 2 hours, a split shift allowance applies on top of your hourly rate — for permanent and part-time staff. Most waitstaff never see it. See the Hospitality Award allowances guide.
Evening loading missed on late shifts
Shifts running after 7pm attract an extra per-hour loading. This applies in addition to any Saturday or Sunday rate. A 9pm Saturday finish attracts both.
Classified at Level 2 when Level 3 duties are performed
Training junior staff, running sections, handling complaints independently — these are Level 3 duties. The difference compounds on every penalty shift.
Tips assumed to cover entitlements
Tips cannot offset award obligations. Your minimum rate applies regardless of tipping. See the Hospitality Award classifications guide.
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 work at a standalone café — does this award apply?
Possibly not. Standalone cafes not connected to a hotel or accommodation may be covered by the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119) instead. Check using the Fair Work Award Finder.
Do I get the split shift allowance as a casual?
No — that allowance is for permanent and part-time employees only. Casuals receive their ordinary casual rate for each working period.
Can my employer apply a flat rate that covers everything?
Only if they can prove it exceeds every award entitlement across every shift pattern including public holidays. Most can’t.
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.