Chef Christmas Day Pay Rate 2026
How much does a chef earn on christmas day? 2.25x penalty rate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A chef working on christmas day earns $58.73/hr (125% above the base rate of $26.10/hr).
Based on the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009), Level 1 adult rate, effective 1 July 2025.
Base Rate vs Christmas Day Penalty Rate
Weekday Base Rate
$26.10/hr
1.0x (no penalty)
Christmas Day Penalty Rate
$58.73/hr
2.25x (+125%)
Casual Christmas Day Rate
Casual chefs receive their casual-loaded rate ($32.63/hr, which includes 25% casual loading) multiplied by the christmas day penalty rate of 2.25x.
How the Penalty Rate Is Calculated
Start with the base hourly rate: $26.10/hr
Multiply by the christmas day penalty rate: 2.25x
$26.10 x 2.25 = $58.73/hr
What the Award Says About Christmas Day Work
Christmas Day (25 December) is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, employees working on Christmas Day receive 2.25x their base rate. You have the right to refuse to work on Christmas Day unless the request is reasonable, considering your personal circumstances, the nature of the work, and the amount of notice given.
Source: Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). Rates effective from 1 July 2025 following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review.
Weekly Earnings Example
If you work 8 hours on christmas day, you earn $469.80 instead of $208.80 on a weekday — that's $261.00 extra.
Weekday (8hrs)
$208.80
Christmas Day (8hrs)
$469.80
Extra Earned
+$261.00
All Penalty Rates for Chefs
| Day / Time | Multiplier | Full-Time Rate | Casual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday (base) | 1.0x | $26.10/hr | $32.63/hr |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $32.63/hr | $40.79/hr |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $39.15/hr | $48.95/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.25x | $58.73/hr | $73.42/hr |
| Christmas Day | 2.25x | $58.73/hr | $73.42/hr |
| Evening | 1.15x | $30.02/hr | $37.52/hr |
| Early Morning | 1.15x | $30.02/hr | $37.52/hr |
Am I Getting the Right Penalty Rate?
Use our Penalty Rate Calculator to check your exact rate based on your award, classification level, and employment type.
Open Penalty Rate CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a chef earn on christmas day?
A chef working on christmas day earns $58.73 per hour under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. This is 2.25x the base rate of $26.10/hr, which is 125% more than the ordinary weekday rate. Casual chefs earn $73.42/hr (2.25x their casual rate of $32.63/hr).
What is the christmas day penalty rate for chefs?
The christmas day penalty rate for chefs is 2.25x the base hourly rate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). For a Level 1 chef, this means $58.73/hr instead of $26.10/hr. The penalty rate compensates employees for working during unsociable hours.
Do casuals get penalty rates on christmas day?
Yes. Casual chefs receive penalty rates on christmas day. The 2.25x penalty multiplier is applied to the casual rate of $32.63/hr (which already includes 25% casual loading), giving a total of $73.42/hr. Casual employees receive both their loading and the penalty rate.
Can my employer make me work on christmas day?
Under the Fair Work Act, an employer can request you to work on christmas day, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable. Factors include: the nature of the workplace, your personal circumstances including family responsibilities, whether you could reasonably expect the request, and the amount of notice given. If you do work, you must be paid 2.25x your base rate.
Other Christmas Day Penalty Rates
Chef — Other Penalty 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.
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