You accepted the role. The wage sounded fair in the interview. But fair compared to what?
Most hospo workers have never looked up what they're legally owed — and some employers are counting on that. This guide tells you exactly what the law says you're entitled to, so you can decide for yourself.
Note: Wage rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and change each year on 1 July. Always verify current rates at the Fair Work Australia website before accepting a role.
The Two Awards You Need to Know
Most hospitality workers in Australia fall under one of two awards. The venue type determines which one applies to you — not your job title.
Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (HIGA) — covers hotels, motels, clubs, pubs, gaming venues, theme parks, and licensed premises.
Restaurant Industry Award 2020 (RIA) — covers restaurants, cafés, caterers, and fast food outlets.
| Venue Type | Award |
|---|---|
| Hotel, motel, resort | HIGA |
| Pub, bar, licensed club | HIGA |
| Casino | HIGA |
| Restaurant, café | RIA |
| Catering company | RIA |
| Fast food outlet | Fast Food Industry Award |
What You Actually Earn — HIGA Rates 2025
HIGA classifies workers into levels based on skill and experience.
| Classification | Approx. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Level 1 — Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 1 | $25.50 |
| Level 2 — Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 2 | $26.10 |
| Level 3 — Food & Beverage Attendant Grade 3 | $27.30 |
| Level 4 — Leading Hand / Supervisor | $28.50 |
| Level 5 — Venue Coordinator / Department Head | $30.00+ |
Rates are indicative for 2025. The Fair Work Commission adjusts rates annually on 1 July.
What You Actually Earn — RIA Rates 2025
| Classification | Approx. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 — Kitchen Hand / Entry Level Service | $24.50 |
| Grade 2 — Cook / Wait Staff | $25.50 |
| Grade 3 — Cook Grade 3 / Experienced Service | $26.50 |
| Grade 4 — Chef de Partie / Senior Service | $28.00 |
| Grade 5 — Sous Chef / Floor Manager | $30.00+ |
The Number That Changes Everything: Casual Loading
If you're casual, add 25% on top of everything above.
That 25% is not a bonus — it replaces your paid annual leave and sick leave. A casual food and beverage attendant at $25.50/hr base earns approximately $31.90/hr all-in.
Weekend Work: Where the Money Actually Is
Here's why Saturday and Sunday shifts are worth taking.
HIGA Penalty Rates
| When You Work | Loading |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday (ordinary hours) | Base rate |
| Saturday | 125% |
| Sunday | 150% |
| Public Holiday | 250% |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 150% |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 200% |
RIA Penalty Rates
| When You Work | Loading |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday (ordinary hours) | Base rate |
| Saturday | 125% |
| Sunday | 150–175% |
| Public Holiday | 250% |
| Early Morning (before 7am) | 115% |
A casual café worker on $25.50/hr base earns around $47.80 on a Sunday. That's before overtime.
The Minimum Shift Rule
Under both awards, casual employees are entitled to a minimum engagement of 2 hours per shift. That means even if a venue sends you home after 45 minutes because it's quiet, they owe you two hours' pay.
Some enterprise agreements vary this — always check your contract.
Allowances Worth Knowing About
A few extras that many workers don't claim:
- Broken shift allowance — if you work two separate periods with a break of more than 1 hour
- Uniform allowance — if you're required to buy or launder your own uniform at your own cost
- Meal allowance — if you work overtime beyond a certain threshold
Your Leave Entitlements (Full-Time and Part-Time)
| Entitlement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual leave | 4 weeks per year (5 for shift workers) |
| Personal / carer's leave | 10 days paid per year |
| Compassionate leave | 2 days per bereavement |
Casuals don't get paid leave — that's what the 25% loading is compensating for.
Superannuation: The Part People Forget
Your employer must contribute 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings into your super fund. This applies whether you're full-time, part-time, or casual — as long as you earn at least $450 in a calendar month.
If you're not sure whether your super is being paid, check your MyGov account under ATO → Super.
Cash-in-Hand: Just Don't
Cash payments with no payslip are illegal. No exceptions, no "it's just for tax reasons." Your employer must pay through proper payroll, issue payslips within one working day of payday, and contribute your super.
If you're being paid cash with no payslip, you're being exposed to liability while your employer takes the benefit. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or lodge a query at their website.
How to Check If You're Being Paid Correctly
- Identify your award (venue type, not job title)
- Identify your classification (based on duties and skill level)
- Check your base rate using the Fair Work pay rate tool
- Apply the relevant penalty rates for the times you work
- Check your payslip arrives within one working day of payday
If you believe you're being underpaid, the Fair Work Ombudsman investigates claims for free.
Enterprise Agreements
Some employers have an Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiated with staff and registered with Fair Work. If one exists, it applies instead of the award — but it must pay at least as much as the award in all circumstances. Ask your employer upfront.
All job listings on Tavro show salary upfront. No "competitive rate." No finding out in the interview. You know before you apply.