Waiter Public Holiday Pay Rate 2026
How much does a waiter earn on public holiday? 2.25x penalty rate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A waiter working on public holiday earns $54.23/hr (125% above the base rate of $24.10/hr).
Based on the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009), Level 1 adult rate, effective 1 July 2025.
Base Rate vs Public Holiday Penalty Rate
Weekday Base Rate
$24.10/hr
1.0x (no penalty)
Public Holiday Penalty Rate
$54.23/hr
2.25x (+125%)
Casual Public Holiday Rate
Casual waiters receive their casual-loaded rate ($30.13/hr, which includes 25% casual loading) multiplied by the public holiday penalty rate of 2.25x.
How the Penalty Rate Is Calculated
Start with the base hourly rate: $24.10/hr
Multiply by the public holiday penalty rate: 2.25x
$24.10 x 2.25 = $54.23/hr
What the Award Says About Public Holiday Work
Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, employees working on a public holiday receive 2.25x their base rate. Employees can also refuse to work on a public holiday if the request is not reasonable. If you do not work on a public holiday, you are still entitled to be paid your ordinary hours for that day (for full-time and part-time employees).
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 public holiday, you earn $433.80 instead of $192.80 on a weekday — that's $241.00 extra.
Weekday (8hrs)
$192.80
Public Holiday (8hrs)
$433.80
Extra Earned
+$241.00
All Penalty Rates for Waiters
| 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 waiter earn on public holiday?
A waiter working on public holiday earns $54.23 per hour under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. This is 2.25x the base rate of $24.10/hr, which is 125% more than the ordinary weekday rate. Casual waiters earn $67.79/hr (2.25x their casual rate of $30.13/hr).
What is the public holiday penalty rate for waiters?
The public holiday penalty rate for waiters is 2.25x the base hourly rate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). For a Level 1 waiter, this means $54.23/hr instead of $24.10/hr. The penalty rate compensates employees for working during unsociable hours.
Do casuals get penalty rates on public holiday?
Yes. Casual waiters receive penalty rates on public holiday. The 2.25x penalty multiplier is applied to the casual rate of $30.13/hr (which already includes 25% casual loading), giving a total of $67.79/hr. Casual employees receive both their loading and the penalty rate.
Can my employer make me work on public holiday?
Under the Fair Work Act, an employer can request you to work on public holiday, 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 Public Holiday Penalty Rates
Waiter — 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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