Baker Pay Rate in NSW 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for bakers in New South Wales under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Baker — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020 (MA000073)
$25.68
Base rate/hr
$32.10
Casual rate/hr
Bakers prepare and bake bread, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. They work in bakeries, supermarkets, and food manufacturing facilities, often starting work in the early hours of the morning.
New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Baker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | $975.84 | $50,743.68 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $32.10/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Baker
Saturday
$38.52/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$51.36/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$64.20/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.68/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Baker's assistant / dough maker | $25.15 | $31.44 | $49,696.40 |
| Level 4 | Qualified baker | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 5 | Senior baker / pastry chef | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| Level 6 | Head baker / production supervisor | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
View full Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Baker?
Bakers regularly work through the night and early morning. The most common underpayment issue is not receiving proper early morning and overnight shift penalties.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a baker get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a baker in New South Wales is $25.68/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $32.10/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020 (MA000073), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a baker?
The minimum wage for a baker is $25.68 per hour ($975.84 per week for a 38-hour week, or $50,743.68 per year). This is set by the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers bakers?
Bakers are covered by the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020 (MA000073). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do bakers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020, bakers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($38.52/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($51.36/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($64.20/hr).
What is the casual rate for a baker?
The casual rate for a baker is $32.10/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.68/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old baker get paid?
Qualified bakers hold trade certificates. Apprentice rates apply during training, not junior rates. The Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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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.
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