As of 1 July 2024, the National Minimum Wage in Australia is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week.

For an 'Introductory Level' casual cafe employee aged 20 and over, the minimum legal pay is:

  • $29.33 per hour from Monday to Friday
  • $35.19 per hour on Saturday and Sunday
  • $58.65 per hour on public holidays

For employees under 20 years old, the rates are:

  • 19 years old: $24.93 Monday to Friday, $29.91 on weekends
  • 18 years old: $20.53 Monday to Friday, $24.63 on weekends
  • 17 years old: $17.60 Monday to Friday, $21.12 on weekends
  • Under 17 years old: $14.66 Monday to Friday, $17.60 on weekends

These rates apply from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 and are revised annually.

The Australian restaurant industry is often glamorised by media figures like Perry, George Calombaris, and Shannon Bennett, but the reality for many in the industry is far less glamorous. Despite the allure of high-quality food, wine, and coffee, the industry is notoriously challenging. Small cafes and restaurants, in particular, face significant difficulties in maintaining profitability.

Juliana Payne, CEO of Restaurant & Catering Australia, highlights the ease of entry into the industry, noting, “You get your liquor license, you get your lease, you do your fit-out, you buy your catering equipment, you hire a chef and buy a coffee machine and you’re a restaurant.” However, the free market approach makes it a highly fragmented and precarious sector.

For more detailed information, visit the Australian Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: Fair Work Australia.

Ensure you adhere to legal wage requirements and treat your staff with fairness. By doing so, you not only comply with the law but also foster a loyal and dedicated workforce that will help build your business.

Ready to take control of your staffing costs and improve your restaurant's efficiency? Contact us today to discover how our solutions can help you manage wages and streamline operations effectively. Contact us now to find out more.