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Baker Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26

Minimum pay rates for bakers in Victoria under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.

Last verified: 21 May 2026
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Baker — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)

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.

Victoria Note

Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.

Minimum Hourly Rates — Baker

Employment TypeHourly RateWeekly (38hrs)Annual
Full-time (adult)$25.68/hr$975.84$50,743.68
Part-time (adult)$25.68/hrPro-rataPro-rata
Casual (incl. 25% loading)$32.10/hrVariesVaries

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

LevelDescriptionBase Rate/hrCasual Rate/hrAnnual (38hrs)
Level 3Baker's assistant / dough maker$25.15$31.44$49,696.40
Level 4Qualified baker$25.68$32.10$50,743.68
Level 5Senior baker / pastry chef$26.74$33.43$52,838.24
Level 6Head 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 Victoria?

The minimum hourly rate for a baker in Victoria 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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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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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