Restaurant Award Pay Rates Calculator
Full pay rates, penalty rates, and break rules for the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (MA000003).
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
The Restaurant Award (MA000003) Level 1 base rate is $24.95/hr for permanent employees and $31.19/hr for casuals (incl. 25% loading). Common roles: Chef, Cook, Sous chef, Kitchen manager.
Classification Pay Rates — Restaurant Award
| Level | Classification | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Weekly (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Restaurant Employee Level 1 | $24.95 | $31.19 | $948.10 |
| Level 2 | Restaurant Employee Level 2 | $25.85 | $32.31 | $982.30 |
| Level 3 | Restaurant Employee Level 3 | $26.70 | $33.38 | $1,014.60 |
| Level 4 | Restaurant Employee Level 4 | $28.12 | $35.15 | $1,068.56 |
| Level 5 | Restaurant Employee Level 5 | $29.88 | $37.35 | $1,135.44 |
| Level 6 | Restaurant Employee Level 6 | $30.68 | $38.35 | $1,165.84 |
Rates effective July 2025 Annual Wage Review. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Penalty Rates — Restaurant Award
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate | Level 1 Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 125% | $31.19 | $38.99 |
| Sunday | 150% | $37.43 | $46.79 |
| Public Holiday | 225% | $56.14 | $70.18 |
| Evening (7pm–midnight) | 115% | $28.69 | $35.87 |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 150% | $37.43 | $46.79 |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 200% | $49.90 | $62.38 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base hourly rate. Casual penalty amounts use the casual loaded rate as the base.
Break Entitlements — Restaurant Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–7 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 7–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
Calculate Your Penalty Rate
Use the calculator below to find your exact penalty rate for any classification level under the Restaurant Award.
Frequently Asked Questions — Restaurant Award
What is the minimum pay rate under the Restaurant Award?
The minimum base rate under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (MA000003) is $24.95 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $31.19 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.
What are the penalty rates under the Restaurant Award?
Penalty rates under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 vary by the type of work. Saturday: 125% ($31.19/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 150% ($37.43/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 225% ($56.14/hr at Level 1). Evening (7pm–midnight): 115% ($28.69/hr at Level 1). Overtime (first 2 hours): 150% ($37.43/hr at Level 1). Overtime (after 2 hours): 200% ($49.90/hr at Level 1). These are calculated on the base rate, not the casual loaded rate.
How many classification levels are there in the Restaurant Award?
The Restaurant Industry Award 2020 has 6 classification levels, ranging from Level 1 at $24.95/hr to Level 6 at $30.68/hr.
What breaks am I entitled to under the Restaurant Award?
Break entitlements under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 depend on shift length. Up to 5 hours: no meal break. 5–7 hours: 30-minute meal break. 7–10 hours: 30-minute meal break + 10-minute rest break (paid). 10+ hours: 60-minute meal break + 20-minute rest break (paid).
What jobs are covered by the Restaurant Award?
Common job titles covered by the Restaurant Industry Award 2020 include Chef, Cook, Sous chef, Kitchen manager, Dishwasher, Head waiter, Restaurant manager. The award applies to the Restaurants industry. If you're unsure whether this award covers your role, use our Award Finder tool.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.