18 Year Old Waiter Pay Rate 2026-27
$18.51/hr permanent, $23.14/hr casual — the Hospitality Award junior rate for an 18 year old waiter, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
Last verified: 3 September 2026An 18 year old waiter earns $18.51/hr minimum ($23.14/hr casual)
70% 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)
70% of the adult rate
Waiter 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 | 60% | $15.86 | $19.83 | $602.68 |
| 18(you) | 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 18
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $18.51 |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $23.14 |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $27.77 |
| Public holiday | 2.25x | $41.65 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $21.29 |
When I turn 19
When you turn 19, your minimum waiter rate increases to $22.47/hr — that's a +$3.96/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 | $185.10 | $231.40 |
| 15 hours | $277.65 | $347.10 |
| 20 hours | $370.20 | $462.80 |
| 25 hours | $462.75 | $578.50 |
| 30 hours | $555.30 | $694.20 |
| 38 hours | $703.38 | $879.32 |
Related resources
Waiter rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should an 18 year old waiter get paid?
A 18 year old waiter should earn at least $18.51/hr ($23.14/hr casual). That is 70% 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 an 18 year old waiter?
The casual rate for an 18 year old waiter is $23.14/hr — the junior base rate of $18.51/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will an 18 year old waiter's pay go up?
When you turn 19, your minimum rate rises to $22.47/hr — a $3.96/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 18 year old waiters get penalty rates?
Yes. 18 year old waiters receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $23.14/hr (1.25x). Sundays: $27.77/hr (1.5x). Public holidays: $41.65/hr (2.25x).
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Just need today sorted? A Day Pass is 25 questions over 24 hours, no account. Get a Day Pass — $4.99
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.