Barista Pay Rate SA 2026-27
Baristas in South Australia earn at least $26.44/hr (Level 1), $33.05/hr casual — about $1,005 a week full-time — under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Barista — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$26.44
Base rate/hr
$33.05
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.
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South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Barista
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $26.44/hr | $1,004.72 | $52,245.44 |
| Part-time (adult) | $26.44/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.05/hr | Varies | Varies |
Junior Rates by Age — Barista
Junior rates apply to employees under 20. Under 17: 50% of the adult rate. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 85%. 20 years: 100%. Juniors aged 18+ who serve alcohol must be paid the adult rate.
| Age | % of adult | Hourly | Casual/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | 50% | $13.22/hr | $16.53/hr | $502.36 |
| 17 | 60% | $15.86/hr | $19.83/hr | $602.68 |
| 18 | 70% | $18.51/hr | $23.14/hr | $703.38 |
| 19 | 85% | $22.47/hr | $28.09/hr | $853.86 |
| 20 | 100% | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $1,004.72 |
| 21+ (adult) | 100% | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $1,004.72 |
Penalty Rates — Barista
$33.05/hr
$39.66/hr
$59.49/hr
Classification Levels — Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Introductory (first 3 months) | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| Level 2 | Barista making coffees | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
| Level 3 | Experienced barista / senior | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,268.72 |
| Level 4 | Specialist barista / trainer | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Barista?
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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $39.66/hr |
| Bartender | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $39.66/hr |
| Chef | $27.97/hr | $34.96/hr | $41.96/hr |
| Kitchen Hand | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $39.66/hr |
More on the Hospitality Award
Hospitality Award (MA000009) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in hospitality
Employer pay guides under the Hospitality Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a barista get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a barista in South Australia is $26.44/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.05/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 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a barista?
The minimum wage for a barista is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.72 per week for a 38-hour week, or $52,245.44 per year). This is set by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers baristas?
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.
Do baristas get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, baristas receive 1.25x their base rate on Saturdays ($33.05/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($39.66/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.25x ($59.49/hr).
What is the casual rate for a barista?
The casual rate for a barista is $33.05/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $26.44/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old barista get paid?
A 17 year old barista gets at least $15.86/hr (60% of the adult Level 1 (junior employees other than office juniors) rate), or $19.83/hr casual, under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 from 1 July 2026. Junior rates apply to employees under 20. Under 17: 50% of the adult rate. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 85%. 20 years: 100%. Juniors aged 18+ who serve alcohol must be paid the adult rate.
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