Fast Food Worker Evening Pay Rate 2026
How much does a fast food worker earn on evening? 1.15x penalty rate under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A fast food worker working on evening earns $27.72/hr (15% above the base rate of $24.10/hr).
Based on the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003), Level 1 adult rate, effective 1 July 2025.
Base Rate vs Evening Penalty Rate
Weekday Base Rate
$24.10/hr
1.0x (no penalty)
Evening Penalty Rate
$27.72/hr
1.15x (+15%)
Casual Evening Rate
Casual fast food workers receive their casual-loaded rate ($30.13/hr, which includes 25% casual loading) multiplied by the evening penalty rate of 1.15x.
How the Penalty Rate Is Calculated
Start with the base hourly rate: $24.10/hr
Multiply by the evening penalty rate: 1.15x
$24.10 x 1.15 = $27.72/hr
What the Award Says About Evening Work
Under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020, employees working evening hours receive 1.15x their base rate. Evening hours are generally defined as work performed between 7pm and midnight, though exact times vary by award. Evening penalties apply in addition to any applicable weekend or public holiday rates in some awards, but in others, only the higher rate applies.
Source: Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003). Rates effective from 1 July 2025 following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review.
Weekly Earnings Example
If you work 8 hours on evening, you earn $221.72 instead of $192.80 on a weekday — that's $28.92 extra.
Weekday (8hrs)
$192.80
Evening (8hrs)
$221.72
Extra Earned
+$28.92
All Penalty Rates for Fast Food Workers
| Day / Time | Multiplier | Full-Time Rate | Casual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday (base) | 1.0x | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr |
| Saturday | 1.25x | $30.13/hr | $37.66/hr |
| Sunday | 1.5x | $36.15/hr | $45.20/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.25x | $54.23/hr | $67.79/hr |
| Christmas Day | 2.25x | $54.23/hr | $67.79/hr |
| Evening | 1.15x | $27.72/hr | $34.65/hr |
| Early Morning | 1.15x | $27.72/hr | $34.65/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 fast food worker earn on evening?
A fast food worker working on evening earns $27.72 per hour under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020. This is 1.15x the base rate of $24.10/hr, which is 15% more than the ordinary weekday rate. Casual fast food workers earn $34.65/hr (1.15x their casual rate of $30.13/hr).
What is the evening penalty rate for fast food workers?
The evening penalty rate for fast food workers is 1.15x the base hourly rate under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 (MA000003). For a Level 1 fast food worker, this means $27.72/hr instead of $24.10/hr. The penalty rate compensates employees for working during unsociable hours.
Do casuals get penalty rates on evening?
Yes. Casual fast food workers receive penalty rates on evening. The 1.15x penalty multiplier is applied to the casual rate of $30.13/hr (which already includes 25% casual loading), giving a total of $34.65/hr. Casual employees receive both their loading and the penalty rate.
Can my employer make me work on evening?
Your employer can roster you to work on evening as part of your ordinary hours or as overtime, provided it aligns with the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 and your employment contract. However, you must be paid the correct penalty rate of 1.15x your base rate ($27.72/hr). If you believe your roster is unreasonable, you can raise this with your employer or contact Fair Work.
Other Evening Penalty Rates
Fast Food Worker — 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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