Hospitality award
Introductory level pay rate
The current adult base minimum for Introductory level under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009) is shown below from the Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database. The figure is operative from 2026-07-01. It is a wage floor for that classification — not a determination of which classification applies to a specific employee.
Award: Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009) · Clause 18.3 · Content reviewed 2026-07-15
Current adult base minimum, hourly
$26.13/hr
Operative from 2026-07-01
| Period | Hourly minimum |
|---|---|
| 2024-07-01 | $24.10 |
| 2025-07-01 | $24.95 |
| 2026-07-01 | $26.13 |
Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database, effective 2026-07-01, published 2026.
What does this rate include?
Includes
- The adult base minimum hourly rate published for this classification in the Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database
- The operative (effective) date when the live rate row provides one
- Recent prior adult base rates for the same classification when history is returned by the source
Does not include
- Casual loading, overtime, penalty rates, and allowances (unless you apply them separately in a Pro check)
- Apprentice rates (not covered by AwardGuard)
- Junior age-band rates as authoritative figures (Pro may show a broad estimate only — always verify against the pay guide)
- A determination of which classification correctly applies to a named employee
Classification context
Introductory level is part of the Hospitality Industry (General) Award structure. Hospitality roles vary widely by duties and supervision; treat this page as a rate reference for this label, not advice that a particular worker must sit at this level.
For official classification guidance see the Fair Work Ombudsman — Award classifications and the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009).
Worked hypothetical example
- An employer pays an adult employee $X per hour for duties they believe match “Introductory level”.
- They look up the published adult base minimum shown on this page and note the operative date.
- If $X is below that minimum for ordinary hours covered by the base rate, the comparison flags a shortfall to investigate — it is not a finding of underpayment by itself.
- They then check loadings, penalties, allowances, and whether a different classification or instrument applies, using Fair Work materials or advice.
Common mistakes
- Treating the page rate as proof of the correct classification for a specific person
- Comparing a casual all-in rate to the adult base minimum without accounting for casual loading
- Ignoring the operative date when rates change on 1 July after an Annual Wage Review
- Assuming AwardGuard replaces the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool or pay guides
Related classifications
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database. Adult base rate only. General information only — not legal or workplace-relations advice. The applicable modern award always prevails. AwardGuard is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Fair Work Commission, Fair Work Ombudsman, NDIA or NDIS.