17 Year Old Barista Pay Rate 2026-27
$15.86/hr permanent, $19.83/hr casual — the Hospitality Award junior rate for a 17 year old barista, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
Last verified: 3 September 2026A 17 year old barista earns $15.86/hr minimum ($19.83/hr casual)
60% of the adult Level 1 (junior employees other than office juniors) rate of $26.44/hr under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009), from 1 July 2026.
Award & classification
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020
MA000009
Level 1 (junior employees other than office juniors)
60% of the adult rate
Barista pay rates by age — Hospitality Award
| Age | % of adult | Hourly rate | Casual rate | Per week (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | 50% | $13.22 | $16.53 | $502.36 |
| 17(you) | 60% | $15.86 | $19.83 | $602.68 |
| 18 | 70% | $18.51 | $23.14 | $703.38 |
| 19 | 85% | $22.47 | $28.09 | $853.86 |
| 20 | 100% | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.72 |
| 21+ (adult rate) | 100% | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.72 |
- Hospitality juniors reach the full adult rate at 20, a year earlier than retail or fast food.
- Juniors aged 18 or over who are required to serve alcohol must be paid the adult rate for their level.
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 17
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $15.86 |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $19.83 |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $23.79 |
| Public holiday | 2.25x | $35.69 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $18.24 |
When I turn 18
When you turn 18, your minimum barista rate increases to $18.51/hr — that's a +$2.65/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 | $158.60 | $198.30 |
| 15 hours | $237.90 | $297.45 |
| 20 hours | $317.20 | $396.60 |
| 25 hours | $396.50 | $495.75 |
| 30 hours | $475.80 | $594.90 |
| 38 hours | $602.68 | $753.54 |
Related resources
Barista rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 17 year old barista get paid?
A 17 year old barista should earn at least $15.86/hr ($19.83/hr casual). That is 60% of the adult Level 1 (junior employees other than office juniors) rate of $26.44/hr under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, from 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for a 17 year old barista?
The casual rate for a 17 year old barista is $19.83/hr — the junior base rate of $15.86/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will a 17 year old barista's pay go up?
When you turn 18, your minimum rate rises to $18.51/hr — a $2.65/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 17 year old baristas get penalty rates?
Yes. 17 year old baristas receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $19.83/hr (1.25x). Sundays: $23.79/hr (1.5x). Public holidays: $35.69/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.