Waiter / waitress

Waiter / waitress pay and hiring in Australia

Updated 11 November 2026

In Australia a waiter is usually paid between about A$28 and A$49 an hour, and the minimum casual rate for a food and beverage attendant is A$33.85 an hour. These figures are approximate and depend on the venue, the city and the experience asked for. To get current offers, describe the role in a request on BlaBlaPrice.

What the published minimum means for you

The minimum casual rate of A$33.85 an hour is set for a Level 2 food and beverage attendant, so a casual offer below that figure falls under the published minimum. Check which level matches the role before you agree a rate. Some candidates take a short waiter skills course first; a Melbourne provider lists one at A$105 per person, including a certificate of completion.

Summer demand and the calendar

The climate here gives two clear seasons for this job. Summer runs from December to February, the busiest period for many venues, so start looking in November if you need cover then. Winter, June to August, is the cooler period, and shift numbers can be lower.

How pay is quoted here

Hourly pay is the usual unit here, and the minimum casual rate is set per hour. Job listings cover roles from part time to full time and from entry level to experienced, so state the hours and experience you need. Ask whether the quoted figure is before or after tax, and whether the shift is casual or permanent, because the two change what you actually pay. The Sydney salary survey average of A$27.47 an hour sits below the national average of A$35.37, so name the city in your request.

What to put in your request

Name the type of venue, such as a café, bar, hotel dining room or event caterer, because the pace and the skills needed differ. Give the hourly rate you can pay or the range you expect, the schedule and the number of shifts a week, and the experience you need. If guests will speak another language, say which one. Mention the workload too, for example the number of covers per shift, and any uniform or brand standards the venue applies.

Getting offers through BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe the role in your own words in the chat, and a photo can be added. BlaBlaPrice's AI reads the request, asks for any missing details, looks through sellers' websites and price lists in Australia, and shows the prices and businesses it found. Businesses registered on BlaBlaPrice receive the request and reply in the chat with their own offer, including terms. Your contacts stay hidden until you choose whom to exchange them with. For related roles see Hotel or restaurant administrator and Barista, or read how BlaBlaPrice works.