General information only — not legal advice. First speak with your employer, then if unsuccessful contact Fair Work or an employment lawyer.
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My Saturday Pay at a Restaurant Looks Wrong

Last updated: March 2026 · MA000119

If your Saturday rate is the same as your Tuesday rate, Saturday penalty rates haven't been applied. The Restaurant Industry Award requires a 1.25× multiplier for permanent employees working Saturdays.

If your Saturday pay matches your weekday pay — you're being underpaid.

The rule

Under the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119):

  • Permanent Saturday rate: 1.25× the ordinary hourly rate
  • Casual Saturday rate: applicable casual Saturday multiplier
  • Saturday penalties are mandatory — they cannot be absorbed into the base rate unless the rate demonstrably exceeds all entitlements

What you should be paid

Casual Level 3 — Saturday 6-hour shift

  • Ordinary casual L3 rate (weekday): $33.38/hr
  • Saturday casual L3 rate: $40.06/hr
  • Gap per hour on a Saturday shift: $6.68/hr
  • 6-hour Saturday shift underpaid: $40.08

Working one Saturday per week at the wrong rate: $2,004.00/year. Exact figures depend on your classification level.

Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000119, effective 1 July 2025.

What this costs you

Saturday is the busiest day in most restaurants, so many workers do regular Saturday shifts. The 1.25× multiplier for permanent employees means a Level 3 worker earning $26.70/hr ordinary should receive $33.38/hr on Saturdays. Being paid at the weekday rate on a 6-hour shift means losing roughly $40.08 per shift. Over 50 weeks: $2,004.00/year from Saturdays alone.

What to check on your payslip

  • Is there a separate rate line for Saturday hours?
  • Is the Saturday rate higher than your weekday rate?
  • Does it reflect the 1.25× multiplier (permanent) or casual Saturday rate?

Frequently asked questions

What's the exact Saturday multiplier for permanent employees?

1.25× the ordinary hourly rate for permanent employees under the Restaurant Industry Award. Casual Saturday rates include the casual loading plus the Saturday penalty.

My employer pays the same rate all week — is that allowed?

Only if the single rate demonstrably exceeds all penalty rates including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Check your Saturday rate specifically — if it matches your Tuesday rate, the Saturday penalty hasn't been applied.

Can I claim back unpaid Saturday penalties?

Yes. Under the Fair Work Act, you can claim up to 6 years of underpayments. Regular Saturday workers who've been paid at the weekday rate can be owed thousands.

Work Saturdays? Check your rate is correct.

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General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.