Kitchen Hand Pay Rate QLD 2026-27
Kitchen Hands in Queensland 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.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Kitchen Hand — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$26.44
Base rate/hr
$33.05
Casual rate/hr
Kitchen hands assist with food preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, and general kitchen duties in restaurants, cafes, and commercial kitchens.
Know someone on kitchen hand pay?
Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Kitchen Hand
| 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 by Age — Kitchen Hand
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 |
Level 1 (junior employees other than office juniors). Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026. Casual = hourly × 1.25. Hospitality juniors reach the full adult rate at 20, a year earlier than retail or fast food. Juniors aged 18 or over who are required to serve alcohol must be paid the adult rate for their level.
Penalty Rates — Kitchen Hand
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 | Kitchen hand (introductory) | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| Level 2 | Kitchen hand (experienced) | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
View full Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Kitchen Hand?
Kitchen hands are among the most underpaid workers in hospitality. Issues include cash-in-hand payments, unpaid trial shifts, and not receiving proper penalty rates.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen hand get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a kitchen hand in Queensland 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 kitchen hand?
The minimum wage for a kitchen hand 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 kitchen hands?
Kitchen Hands 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 kitchen hands get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, kitchen hands 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 kitchen hand?
The casual rate for a kitchen hand 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 kitchen hand get paid?
A 17 year old kitchen hand 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.
Useful Tools
Browse All Job Pay Rates
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Just need this week sorted? A 7-Day Pass is 50 questions over 7 days, no account. Get a 7-Day Pass — $14.99
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Embed the Kitchen Hand Pay Rate QLD 2026-27 on your site, free. Get the code →