Fast Food Award, explained for shift work.
Fast Food Industry Award 2020 · Reviewed July 2026 by the MyGig compliance team
Fast food and takeaway outlets: quick-service restaurants, takeaway counters, and food-court outlets where food is sold to take away or eat in casual settings.
Penalties and loadings to know
- Casual loading of 25% on the ordinary hourly rate
- Saturday and Sunday penalties (Sunday differs by level)
- Substantial public holiday penalty rates
- Evening loadings after specified times
Roles typically covered
Current minimum rates
Entry-level adult casual: $34.76/hr as at 1 July 2026, from MyGig's award engine (the same data that prices every shift). Award rates change with every annual wage review (first full pay period on or after 1 July). For the full classification tables, use the official pay guide, or let MyGig apply them for you: every shift estimate uses current rates, penalties included, clause cited.
Fast Food Award FAQs
Fast Food or Restaurant Award: what is the difference?
The Fast Food Award covers quick-service and takeaway-focused outlets; the Restaurant Award covers table-service restaurants and cafés preparing meals on premises. Venue format decides it, and MyGig maps it per venue.
What is the minimum casual shift in fast food?
Typically 3 consecutive hours. MyGig shift posting enforces award minimums automatically.
Do young workers have different rates?
Yes, junior rates (percentages of the adult rate by age) apply under this award. The official pay guide carries the current tables.
General information only, not legal advice. The award itself (Fast Food Industry Award 2020, MA000003) and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay tools are the authoritative sources: read the award. Back to all award guides or MyGig compliance & EOR.
Stop interpreting awards by hand.
MyGig employs your casual workers as EOR and applies this award automatically: rates, loadings, penalties, and super, with the clause cited.