Sommelier salary: award coverage versus award-free rates in Australia

Sommelier salary: what you need to know about pay floors

If you are researching a sommelier salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is which pay floor applies to you. The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This guide explains the different layers and how your pay compares with national benchmarks.

The national minimum wage as a backstop

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This is the absolute floor for any award‑free employee who is 21 or over and not an apprentice or trainee. If you are a sommelier working without award coverage, your employer cannot pay you less than this. Remember that superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these figures – it is an employer cost, not a deduction from your pay.

Award coverage for sommeliers

Most sommeliers in restaurants, bars, and hotels are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. This award has specific classifications for food and beverage attendants, and a sommelier would typically fall into a Level 3 or Level 4 role depending on duties and experience. Award rates are higher than the national minimum. For example, the award’s lowest ongoing adult rate from 1 July 2026 is at least $26.44 per hour (the award backstop), but higher classifications pay more. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the full pay rates for each classification. If your employer is covered by the award, they must pay at least the award rate for your classification. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates.

Award‑free sommeliers and junior rates

If you are a sommelier who is genuinely award‑free (rare in hospitality), the national minimum applies. But be aware that junior employees (under 21) can be paid a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 19‑year‑old award‑free sommelier would receive 82.5% of $26.44, which is $21.82 per hour. Casual juniors also get the 25% loading. Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages. Always check your age and employment type to see if a lower rate is lawful.

How does a sommelier salary compare with average earnings?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is about $54.83 per hour. A sommelier salary is often below this average because hospitality roles are typically lower‑paid. However, experienced sommeliers with specialist wine knowledge can negotiate above‑award rates. The reference does not include a survey average specifically for sommeliers, so we cannot give a precise market figure. Your actual salary will depend on your employer, location, and experience.

Superannuation is on top

Whenever discussing a sommelier salary, remember that super is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. If your base rate is $26.44 per hour, your employer must pay an extra $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay, but it is a compulsory cost for the employer.

Internal resources

For more details on which pay floor applies, see our guide Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables for current figures.

Summary

Your sommelier salary must be at least the national minimum if you are award‑free. If you are under the Hospitality Award, the award rate is your floor. An enterprise agreement can give more. Super is extra. For a precise market rate, consult industry surveys or the Fair Work Ombudsman. This site provides the legal benchmarks only.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.