15 Year Old Fast Food Worker Pay Rate 2026-27
$11.12/hr permanent, $13.90/hr casual — the Fast Food Award junior rate for a 15 year old fast food worker, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
Last verified: 3 September 2026A 15 year old fast food worker earns $11.12/hr minimum ($13.90/hr casual)
40% of the adult Fast Food Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003), from 1 July 2026.
Award & classification
Fast Food Industry Award 2020
MA000003
Fast Food Employee Level 1
40% of the adult rate
Fast Food Worker pay rates by age — Fast Food Award
| Age | % of adult | Hourly rate | Casual rate | Per week (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16(you) | 40% | $11.12 | $13.90 | $422.72 |
| 16 | 50% | $13.91 | $17.39 | $528.40 |
| 17 | 60% | $16.69 | $20.86 | $634.08 |
| 18 | 70% | $19.47 | $24.34 | $739.76 |
| 19 | 80% | $22.25 | $27.81 | $845.44 |
| 20 | 90% | $25.03 | $31.29 | $951.12 |
| 21+ (adult rate) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.80 |
- The same percentages apply at Level 2 and Level 3 on those levels' adult rates.
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026; read 2026-09-03. Where an award publishes junior rates weekly, hourly = weekly ÷ 38. Casual = hourly × 1.25 (25% casual loading). Higher classification levels use the same percentages on a higher adult rate.
Penalty rates at age 15
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $11.12 |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $13.90 |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $16.68 |
| Public holiday | 2.25x | $25.02 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $12.79 |
When I turn 16
When you turn 16, your minimum fast food worker rate increases to $13.91/hr — that's a +$2.79/hr increase.
Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday. If they fail to do so, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Weekly earnings examples
| Hours/week | Base pay | Casual pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $111.20 | $139.00 |
| 15 hours | $166.80 | $208.50 |
| 20 hours | $222.40 | $278.00 |
| 25 hours | $278.00 | $347.50 |
| 30 hours | $333.60 | $417.00 |
| 38 hours | $422.56 | $528.20 |
Related resources
Fast Food Worker rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 15 year old fast food worker get paid?
A 15 year old fast food worker should earn at least $11.12/hr ($13.90/hr casual). That is 40% of the adult Fast Food Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020, from 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for a 15 year old fast food worker?
The casual rate for a 15 year old fast food worker is $13.90/hr — the junior base rate of $11.12/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will a 15 year old fast food worker's pay go up?
When you turn 16, your minimum rate rises to $13.91/hr — a $2.79/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 15 year old fast food workers get penalty rates?
Yes. 15 year old fast food workers receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $13.90/hr (1.25x). Sundays: $16.68/hr (1.5x). Public holidays: $25.02/hr (2.25x).
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.