Waitstaff Pay Rates 2025–26 — Restaurant Award
Last updated: March 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000119
Waitstaff are one of the most commonly underpaid roles in Australian hospitality. Most waitstaff in restaurants and cafés are classified at Level 2 or Level 3 under the Restaurant Industry Award. If you've completed formal service training — such as an RSA, wine service qualification, or RMLV — and you're performing skilled table service, you should be at Level 3 minimum.
The difference between Level 2 and Level 3 adds up fast — especially on weekends.
For the full Restaurant Award overview, see the Restaurant Award pay guide.
Real example
Scenario: Casual waitstaff, Level 2, works a Saturday evening shift (5 hours) and a Sunday brunch shift (5 hours). Employer pays a flat casual rate for both days.
What they were paid: $32.31/hr × 10 hours = $323.10
What they should have been paid: Saturday casual L2 $38.77/hr × 5hrs + Sunday casual L2 $45.23/hr × 5hrs = $420.00
Underpayment: $96.90 on a single weekend. Over a year of weekends, that's ~$5,039.00.
Why it happens: The employer pays a single "casual rate" regardless of the day. Saturday and Sunday penalty rates are separate entitlements that must be applied on top of the casual base rate.
Waitstaff pay rates — Restaurant Award 2025
| Level | Casual Rate | Saturday (Casual) | Sunday (Casual) | Public Holiday (Casual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | $32.31/hr | $38.77/hr | $45.23/hr | $64.62/hr |
| Level 3 | $33.38/hr | $40.06/hr | $46.73/hr | $66.76/hr |
Rates based on the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000119, effective 1 July 2025.
⚠️ Common underpayments for waitstaff
Flat casual rate regardless of day
The most common issue. Employers pay the same casual hourly rate whether it's a Tuesday or a Sunday. Weekend and public holiday penalty rates are separate entitlements — they must be applied on top of the casual rate.
Level 2 pay for Level 3 work
If you hold an RSA, wine service qualification, or RMLV and you're performing skilled table service duties, you should be classified at Level 3. Many employers keep waitstaff at Level 2 regardless of qualifications.
Split shift allowance never paid
If you work a split shift (e.g., lunch and dinner with a break in between), you're entitled to a split shift allowance. This is frequently missed in restaurants that roster staff for both service periods.
Late night loading missed on dinner service
If your dinner shift extends past 10pm, you're entitled to a late night loading for every hour worked between 10pm and midnight. This is often overlooked entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Does having my RSA move me to Level 3?
Having an RSA alone doesn't automatically make you Level 3. However, if you hold your RSA and are performing full table service duties — wine service, menu knowledge, handling complaints — that combination is a strong indicator of Level 3 classification. If your employer requires you to have an RSA to do your job and you're performing skilled service work, you should be classified at Level 3.
I work at a café in a shopping centre — which award covers me?
If the café is a standalone business (even inside a shopping centre), you're covered by the Restaurant Industry Award (MA000119). The Hospitality Award would only apply if the café is part of a hotel, motel, or similar accommodation business. A standalone café or restaurant — regardless of location — falls under the Restaurant Award.
My employer says the casual rate covers everything including weekends — is that true?
No. The 25% casual loading compensates for lack of leave entitlements — it does not replace weekend penalty rates. Casual employees are entitled to Saturday rates, Sunday rates, and public holiday rates on top of their casual base rate. If your employer is paying you a flat casual rate on weekends, ask them for a written calculation showing how your rate meets the award minimum for that day.
See also: Restaurant Award penalty rates · Restaurant Award classifications · Restaurant Award allowances
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Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (MA000119), effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.