Minimum pay rates for fast food workers in Australian Capital Territory under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Fast food workers prepare and serve food in quick service restaurants like McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's, and similar outlets.
Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
| 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 Fast Food Industry Award 2020.
Junior rates: Under 16: 40%. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90% of the adult rate.
| 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 Fast Food Industry 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 | Crew member / team member | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Experienced team member | $25.28 | $31.60 | $49,953.28 |
| Level 3 | Shift supervisor / trainer | $26.10 | $32.63 | $51,573.60 |
Fast food workers are frequently young and on junior rates. Check that the correct junior percentage is being applied and that penalty rates are paid for weekend and late-night shifts.
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 →The minimum hourly rate for a fast food worker in Australian Capital Territory 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 Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a fast food worker 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 Fast Food Industry Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Fast Food Workers are covered by the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003). 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 Fast Food Industry Award 2020, fast food workers 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 fast food worker 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: Under 16: 40%. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90% of the adult rate. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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