Fast Food Worker Pay Rate in NSW 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for fast food workers in New South Wales under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Fast Food Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Fast 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.
New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Fast Food Worker
| 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 — Fast Food Worker
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.
Penalty Rates — Fast Food Worker
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 — Fast Food Industry Award 2020
| 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 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Fast Food Worker?
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fast food worker get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a fast food worker in New South Wales 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.
What is the minimum wage for a fast food worker?
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.
What award covers fast food workers?
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.
Do fast food workers get penalty rates on weekends?
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).
What is the casual rate for a fast food worker?
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.
How much should a 17 year old fast food worker get paid?
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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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.
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