I Turned 21 Working in a Restaurant — Has My Rate Changed?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000119
It should have changed from your 21st birthday. If it hasn't, you've been underpaid from that date. Under the Restaurant Industry Award, full adult rates apply automatically from the day you turn 21 — no review, no waiting period, no employer discretion.
If your rate didn't change on your 21st birthday — you're owed the difference.
The rule
Under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119), full adult pay rates apply from an employee's 21st birthday. This change is automatic under the award — it does not depend on your employer updating your rate or conducting a review. If you were on a junior percentage rate, you move to 100% of the adult rate from your birthday.
What you should be paid
Level 3 casual example
- 20-year-old rate (90% of adult): $30.04/hr
- Full adult casual rate at Level 3: $33.38/hr
- Gap per hour: $3.34
Working 20 hours/week for 6 months at the wrong rate: $1,736.80 underpaid.
Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000119, effective 1 July 2025.
What this costs you
The gap between a 20-year-old rate and the full adult rate may look small per hour, but it compounds quickly. Over 6 months of part-time work, the shortfall can easily exceed $1,736.80 — and that's before penalties, overtime, and public holiday rates are considered. Those are all calculated on the adult base rate too.
What to do
- Raise the issue with your employer in writing (email or text)
- State that adult rates apply from your 21st birthday under MA000119
- Request the shortfall be back-paid from your birthday
- If not resolved, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my rate was updated when I turned 21?
Check your payslip for the pay period that includes your 21st birthday. Your hourly rate should have increased to the full adult rate from that date. If it stayed the same, you've been underpaid from your birthday onward.
I turned 21 months ago and my rate never changed — can I claim it back?
Yes. You can claim the difference between what you were paid (the junior or under-21 rate) and the full adult rate for every hour worked from your 21st birthday onward. You have up to 6 years to recover underpayments.
My employer says my rate will be updated at the next review — is that right?
No. Under the Restaurant Industry Award, the full adult rate applies automatically from your 21st birthday — not from the next pay review, performance review, or any other date your employer chooses. The change is immediate by law.
Check whether your rate matches the full adult rate for your level.
Not sure if your Restaurant Industry 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.