Bartender Pay Rate in WA 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for bartenders in Western Australia under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Bartender — Minimum Pay Rate (WA)
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
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.
Western Australia Note
Western Australia has a state industrial relations system that covers some private sector employees not in the national system.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Bartender
| 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 — 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 | $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.
Penalty Rates — Bartender
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).
Classification Levels — Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Bar attendant (introductory) | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Bartender | $25.28 | $31.60 | $49,953.28 |
| Level 3 | Senior bartender | $26.10 | $32.63 | $51,573.60 |
| Level 4 | Bar manager | $27.32 | $34.15 | $53,984.32 |
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 | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $36.15/hr |
| Waiter | $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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bartender get paid per hour in Western Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a bartender in Western 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.
What is the minimum wage for a bartender?
The minimum wage for a bartender 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.
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 ($30.13/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($36.15/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.25x ($54.23/hr).
What is the casual rate for a bartender?
The casual rate for a bartender 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.
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.
Useful Tools
Browse All Job Pay Rates
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.
Learn more
Complete guide to modern award pay rates for 2025-26. Covers the 3.75% increase, how to find your award, minimum wage levels, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances under the Fair Work system.
Modern Awards Explained: How to Find and Comply With Your AwardA plain-English guide to modern awards in Australia for 2026. Learn what a modern award is, how to determine which one applies to your business, pay rates, penalty and overtime rates, allowances, and the most common compliance mistakes employers make.
Apprentice Pay Rates 2026: How Much Should Apprentices Be Paid? (By Year + Trade)Apprentice pay rates depend on your year of apprenticeship, age, and trade. See 2025-26 rates for electrical, plumbing, carpentry, automotive, and chef apprenticeships. Includes adult apprentice rates, tool allowances, and competency-based progression.