Waiter Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for waiters in Victoria under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Waiter — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Waiters and waitresses take orders, serve food and beverages, and provide customer service in restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hotels.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Waiter
| 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 — Waiter
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 — Waiter
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 | Food runner / introductory | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Waiter / waitress | $25.28 | $31.60 | $49,953.28 |
| Level 3 | Experienced waiter / senior | $26.10 | $32.63 | $51,573.60 |
| Level 4 | Maitre d' / restaurant supervisor | $27.32 | $34.15 | $53,984.32 |
View full Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Waiter?
The hospitality industry has the highest rate of wage non-compliance in Australia. Issues include unpaid trial shifts, cash-in-hand payments below award rates, and failure to pay penalty rates for evenings and weekends.
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 |
| Bartender | $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 waiter get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a waiter in Victoria 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 waiter?
The minimum wage for a waiter 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 waiters?
Waiters 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 waiters get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, waiters 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 waiter?
The casual rate for a waiter 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 waiter 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 verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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