Junior pay rates
Annual Wage Review – 1 September 2021 changes
From 1 September 2021, minimum wages in the Retail Award are increasing. Updated minimum rates are now available in our pay tools. See our Annual Wage Review 2021 page for more information.
Modern Award Review – Junior rates under the Retail Award
The Fair Work Commission has issued a decision that changes the way juniors are paid under the Retail Award. From the first full pay period on or after 1 May 2021, junior rates will only apply for classification levels 1, 2 and 3.
Use our Pay guides or Pay and Conditions Tool to find the new rates and allowances.
We have updated this page to reflect these changes.
Juniors get paid a percentage of the relevant adult pay rate unless the award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement doesn't have junior rates.
The percentages that apply are usually based on the employee’s age and increase on their next birthday.
Example: Junior pay rate increases
Carly is 17 years old and works in a shop. She’s entitled to 60% of the adult pay rate under her award. She turns 18 on 22 March. From 22 March she’s entitled to 70% of the adult pay rate.
Find information about junior pay rates in your award by selecting from the list below.
Based on what you've told us, it looks like you're covered by the Fast Food Industry Award [MA000003].
Juniors, unless they are trade qualified, get paid a percentage of the relevant adult pay rate in the Fast Food Industry Award. Trade qualified junior employees must receive the adult rate of pay.
Use our Pay Calculator to calculate junior pay rates.
Fast Food Industry Award resources
We’ve made it easier for you to find information about your pay and entitlements under the Fast Food Industry Award. For more tailored information about your Award, visit our interactive tool.
We've got new and improved templates to help people in the Fast Food Industry. Try our interactive template tools.
To find out more about who this award applies to, go to the Fast Food Award summary.
Source reference: Fast Food Industry Award [MA000003] clause 18 
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