Bartender Pay Rate in NT 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for bartenders in Northern Territory under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Bartender — Minimum Pay Rate (NT)
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$26.44
Base rate/hr
$33.05
Casual rate/hr
Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels. An RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate is required.
Northern Territory Note
Northern Territory workers may receive remote area allowances and have specific public holidays including Show Day.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Bartender
| 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 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020.
Junior Rates — Bartender
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 | $10.58/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $13.22/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $15.86/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $18.51/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $21.15/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $23.80/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $26.44/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 for precise rates.
Penalty Rates — Bartender
Saturday
$33.05/hr
1.25x base
Sunday
$39.66/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$59.49/hr
2.25x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($26.44/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Bar attendant (introductory) | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| Level 2 | Bartender | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
| Level 3 | Senior bartender | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,268.72 |
| Level 4 | Bar manager | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
View full Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Bartender?
Bar workers often work late nights and weekends where penalty rates should apply. Employers sometimes pay flat rates that do not properly account for evening and weekend loadings.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barista | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $39.66/hr |
| Waiter | $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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bartender get paid per hour in Northern Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a bartender in Northern Territory 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 bartender?
The minimum wage for a bartender 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 bartenders?
Bartenders 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 bartenders get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, bartenders 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 bartender?
The casual rate for a bartender 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 bartender get paid?
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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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.