Registered & Licensed Clubs Award pay guide 2026/2027
A simple, practical guide for clubs — bar, gaming, food and admin staff
Updated • FY2026/27 rates — effective the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026
Written by
Steve Harris
Summarise with AI
This guide provides general information about the Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020 [MA000058] and related Australian workplace laws as at the date of publication.
It does not constitute legal, financial, payroll or employment advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Pay rates, penalty rates and allowance amounts under modern awards change periodically, particularly following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review. This guide includes indicative minimum figures effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Employers must always check the current Fair Work pay guide before setting or paying wages.
The Clubs Award covers registered and licensed clubs. Pubs, hotels and bars are usually covered by the Hospitality Award, and standalone restaurants by the Restaurant Award. Always confirm award coverage (e.g. using Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT)).
If you need award-specific guidance, see:
Looking for MA000058?
This is it. MA000058 is the official Fair Work code for the Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020. This guide covers its pay rates, classifications, penalties and compliance for 2026/27.
View official MA000058 on Fair Work →Award rate calculator
See how RosterElf interprets the Clubs Award
This is an educational example showing how the Clubs Award penalty rates work. It demonstrates how RosterElf automatically calculates correct pay rates based on classification level, employment type, and shift times.
Award penalty rates
Example weekly cost (38 hours)
Example only - not for payroll use
This is a demonstration of how RosterElf calculates award-compliant rates.
The actual cost for your employees will depend on:
- Their specific classification level and employment type
- Actual hours worked and shift times
- Any additional allowances, overtime, or enterprise agreement provisions
- Current award rates (which change annually in July)
For accurate payroll calculations, always:
- Verify current rates with the official Fair Work pay guide
- Confirm your employees' correct award coverage and classification
- Use award interpretation software or consult a payroll professional
- Review your specific enterprise agreement (if applicable)
Do not rely on this example for actual wage payments.
Stop calculating penalty rates manually
Let RosterElf handle award compliance automatically
Manual award calculations are time-consuming and error-prone. One mistake can lead to underpayments, compliance issues, and Fair Work penalties. RosterElf's award interpretation engine does the work for you.
How RosterElf automates award calculations
Create pay templates
Create pay templates for each classification level with award-compliant base rates and penalty multipliers. RosterElf applies the correct template to each shift automatically.
Award interpretation →Define rate rules
Configure when different penalty rates apply (evenings, weekends, public holidays). The system detects which rate to use based on shift times and days.
Penalty rates guide →Auto-apply to shifts
Every rostered shift calculates the correct pay rate based on the employee's classification, employment type, and shift timing. No manual work required.
Payroll integration →Quick casual pay rates reference 2026/27
Casual rates for ordinary weekday hours, generated from the current Fair Work pay guide:
FY2026/27 rates are in effect
All modern award rates rose 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, and the national minimum wage is now $26.44/hr. The rates below and in the calculator reflect the current Fair Work pay guide.
Casual hourly rates 2026/27 (ordinary weekday hours)
| Level | Example roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | Entry-level / induction (up to 3 months) | $32.18 |
| Level 1 | Food & beverage attendant grade 1, basic duties | $33.05 |
| Level 2 | Clerical grade 1 / F&B grade 2 / glasshand | $33.85 |
| Level 3 | Clerical grade 2 / F&B grade 3 / gaming | $34.96 |
| Level 4 | Clerical grade 3 / F&B grade 4 / cook | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | Clerical supervisor / senior operational | $39.13 |
Weekend & public holiday rates are higher
On top of the ordinary rates above: Saturday +50%, Sunday +75% and public holidays +150%. Under this award the casual loading is not added on top of weekend/public-holiday penalties (so casual Saturday/Sunday/public-holiday rates equal the permanent rates). Evening (Mon–Fri 7pm–midnight) and late-night loadings apply separately. Use the calculator for the ordinary/weekend/public-holiday figures.
Quick summary for time-poor employers
Important: This guide assumes the Clubs Award applies. Pubs/hotels are usually under the Hospitality Award and standalone restaurants under the Restaurant Award — confirm coverage first.
If you only skim one section, make it this one:
- The Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020 [MA000058] covers club staff — bar, gaming, food and beverage, clerical and operational — on a shared Introductory + Level 1–5+ structure.
- Minimums are reviewed each July. The FY2026/27 pay guide took effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, lifting all rates by 4.75%.
- Example 2026/27 adult minimum pay:
- Introductory: full-time/part-time $25.74/hr, casual $32.18/hr.
- Level 4: full-time/part-time $29.45/hr, casual $36.81/hr.
- Penalties: Saturday +50%, Sunday +75%, public holidays +150%; the casual loading is not stacked on weekend/PH penalties.
- Evening and late-night loadings, broken shifts and the cook’s tool allowance apply on top.
- Get level, stream, employment type and shift type right for every employee.
Bottom line: with bar, gaming and food streams, evening loadings and weekend rates, manual calculation is error-prone — check your underpayment risk. Award-aware rostering software with award interpretation keeps it correct automatically.
Who the award covers (and who it doesn't)
The Clubs Award covers registered and licensed clubs — RSL, leagues, bowling, golf, surf and community clubs. Staff across bar, gaming, food and beverage, clerical, grounds and operational roles share the same level structure (Introductory and Levels 1 and up), with the level set by the role’s stream and grade.
Important — who’s covered by other awards: pubs, hotels and bars → Hospitality Award; standalone restaurants → Restaurant Award; fast food → Fast Food Award. Confirm coverage with Fair Work’s PACT tool before applying rates.
2026/27 pay rates overview: what you must pay
A snapshot of the current FY2026/27 rates, generated from the same data that powers the calculator above. The levels apply across the clerical, food-and-beverage, gaming and other streams.
What changed from 2025/26
The FY2026/27 Annual Wage Review lifted all modern award minimum rates by 4.75%. For this award, for example: Introductory is now $25.74/hr and Level 4 is $29.45/hr (full-time/part-time). Penalty and casual rates rose proportionally. Always confirm against the current pay guide.
Adult – full-time & part-time
Ordinary weekday rates for the club employee levels:
| Level | Example roles | Weekly pay | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | Entry-level / induction (up to 3 months) | $978.10 | $25.74 |
| Level 1 | Food & beverage attendant grade 1, basic duties | $1,004.90 | $26.44 |
| Level 2 | Clerical grade 1 / F&B grade 2 / glasshand | $1,029.10 | $27.08 |
| Level 3 | Clerical grade 2 / F&B grade 3 / gaming | $1,062.90 | $27.97 |
| Level 4 | Clerical grade 3 / F&B grade 4 / cook | $1,119.10 | $29.45 |
| Level 5 | Clerical supervisor / senior operational | $1,189.40 | $31.30 |
Levels apply across the clerical, food-and-beverage, gaming and other streams. Higher levels (6+) are in the pay guide.
Adult – casual
Casuals receive the same base rate plus a 25% loading on ordinary hours. Ordinary weekday casual rates:
| Level | Example roles | Casual hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory | Entry-level / induction (up to 3 months) | $32.18 |
| Level 1 | Food & beverage attendant grade 1, basic duties | $33.05 |
| Level 2 | Clerical grade 1 / F&B grade 2 / glasshand | $33.85 |
| Level 3 | Clerical grade 2 / F&B grade 3 / gaming | $34.96 |
| Level 4 | Clerical grade 3 / F&B grade 4 / cook | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | Clerical supervisor / senior operational | $39.13 |
Casual rates shown are the ordinary weekday rate (base + 25% loading). On weekends and public holidays the penalty applies without the loading stacked on top — use the calculator above.
How to classify your staff
Classification follows the stream and grade — all mapped onto a shared level scale:
- Introductory covers the first few months / induction.
- Levels 1–5+ apply across food & beverage (attendant grades), gaming, clerical/administration, grounds and cooks — the level reflects skill and responsibility within the stream.
- A bar/food attendant typically sits around Levels 1–3; supervisors and cooks higher.
Write each employee’s stream, level and employment type into your payroll/rostering system. If unsure, confirm the right level.
Penalty rates, evening & late-night loadings
Clubs Award penalties (on the ordinary rate):
- Saturday: 150% (full-time/part-time and casual)
- Sunday: 175% (full-time/part-time and casual)
- Public holiday: 250% (full-time/part-time and casual)
- Casual loading: the 25% loading applies to ordinary hours but is not stacked on top of the weekend/public-holiday penalties, so casual weekend/PH rates equal the permanent rates.
- Evening / late-night loadings: Monday–Friday work between 7pm and midnight, and midnight to 7am, attracts loadings on the ordinary rate.
- Overtime: time-and-a-half then double time; double time on Sundays and public holidays.
The calculator above covers ordinary, Saturday, Sunday and public-holiday rates. For evening/late-night loadings and overtime, use Fair Work’s PACT tool or award-interpreting software.
Stop calculating club penalties by hand
RosterElf's award interpretation engine applies Clubs Award weekend, public-holiday and evening rates automatically from each shift's times.
See award interpretationFull-time vs part-time vs casual
Full-time & part-time
- Full-time is around 38 hours per week, ongoing; part-time has a regular agreed pattern.
- Both receive paid annual and personal/carer’s leave (pro-rata for part-time) and other NES entitlements. Part-time hours should be agreed in writing.
Casual
- Paid a 25% casual loading on ordinary hours instead of paid leave, with a minimum engagement per shift.
- On weekends and public holidays, the penalty applies without the loading stacked on top — so casual Saturday, Sunday and public-holiday rates equal the permanent rates.
Casuals working regular, ongoing hours may be eligible for casual conversion to permanent employment.
Allowances
Common allowances under this award include:
- Broken shift – about $4.48 per day (not casuals).
- First aid – about $0.35 per hour.
- Meal – about $17.42 per meal.
- Cook’s tool allowance – about $2.03 per day (max $9.94/week).
- Club manager laundry – about $10.27/week; vehicle – about $1.01 per km.
Exact amounts update each pay guide — see the Fair Work pay guide.
Step-by-step compliance plan
- Confirm the award applies (registered/licensed club; not a pub/hotel or standalone restaurant).
- Download the latest pay guide (FY2026/27).
- Classify each employee by stream and level.
- Set base rates and apply weekend/public-holiday penalties, evening/late-night loadings, broken shifts and overtime.
- Use award-interpreting software so evening and weekend rates are calculated automatically, and keep records for 7 years.
Final takeaways
- Shared level structure (Introductory + Levels 1–5+) across bar, gaming, food and clerical streams.
- Saturday +50%, Sunday +75%, public holidays +150% — casual loading not stacked on these.
- Evening and late-night loadings apply Mon–Fri.
- Broken shifts and cook’s tool allowance are easy to miss.
- Update every July and keep good records.
For official guidance, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Industries using this award
Explore rostering solutions for businesses covered by the Clubs Award
Run the Clubs Award on autopilot
RosterElf builds the award rules into your rosters, timesheets and payroll.
Award interpretation
Automatically applies weekend, public-holiday and evening rates from shift times.
Rostering software
Build award-aware rosters in minutes with live wage cost and compliance warnings.
Time & attendance
Capture exact start and finish times with a kiosk time clock and live attendance.
Payroll integration
Send award-interpreted timesheets straight to Xero, MYOB and other payroll systems.
Clubs Award knowledge base
Step-by-step help for applying the award inside RosterElf.
Related award rate guides
Explore other Australian Modern Award pay rate guides
Stop calculating the Clubs Award by hand
RosterElf applies Registered and Licensed Clubs Award (MA000058) penalty, evening and public holiday rates automatically based on shift times.
Clubs Award FAQ
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The Registered and Licensed Clubs Award 2020 (MA000058) covers staff in registered and licensed clubs — RSL, leagues, bowling, golf, surf and community clubs. It applies a shared level structure (Introductory and Levels 1 and up) across bar, gaming, food and beverage, clerical, grounds and operational streams. Pubs and hotels are covered by the Hospitality Award, and standalone restaurants by the Restaurant Award.
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Club staff are classified into an Introductory rate and Levels 1 and up that apply across the different streams (food & beverage attendant grades, gaming, clerical/administration, grounds and cooks). The level reflects skill and responsibility within the stream — for example, a food & beverage attendant progresses through F&B grades while a clerical employee progresses through clerical grades, both mapped onto the same dollar rates.
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The Clubs Award applies to registered and licensed clubs (member-based, not-for-profit clubs), while the Hospitality Award covers pubs, hotels and bars. The rates and penalty structures differ, so confirm whether your venue is a club or a hospitality venue using Fair Work’s PACT tool.