Minimum pay rates for baristas in South Australia under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Baristas prepare and serve coffee, tea, and other beverages in cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants. Most baristas are classified at Level 2 or above under the Hospitality Award.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | $915.80 | $47,621.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.13/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020.
Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 18: 50% of adult rate. 18 years: 60%. 19 years: 70%. 20 years: 80%.
| Age | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.64/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.05/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.46/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $16.87/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.28/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $21.69/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.10/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 for precise rates.
Saturday
$30.13/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$36.15/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$54.23/hr
2.25x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.10/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Introductory (first 3 months) | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Barista making coffees | $25.28 | $31.60 | $49,953.28 |
| Level 3 | Experienced barista / senior | $26.10 | $32.63 | $51,573.60 |
| Level 4 | Specialist barista / trainer | $27.32 | $34.15 | $53,984.32 |
View full Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 pay rates →
Cafes and coffee shops are frequently identified in wage underpayment cases. Common issues include unpaid trial shifts, incorrect penalty rates, and being paid a flat rate regardless of the time worked.
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 →| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
| Bartender | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
| Chef | $26.10/hr | $32.63/hr | $39.15/hr |
| Kitchen Hand | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
The minimum hourly rate for a barista in South Australia is $24.10/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.13/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a barista is $24.10 per hour ($915.80 per week for a 38-hour week, or $47,621.60 per year). This is set by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Baristas are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). 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.
Yes. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, baristas receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($30.13/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($36.15/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.25x ($54.23/hr).
The casual rate for a barista is $30.13/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.10/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Junior rates apply to employees under 21. Under 18: 50% of adult rate. 18 years: 60%. 19 years: 70%. 20 years: 80%. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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