If you're considering a career in the hospitality industry, completing your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) certifications is a crucial first step. These courses are mandatory for anyone seeking employment in Australian venues that serve alcohol or have gaming facilities. These courses will greatly improve your job prospects, but what can you expect in terms of pay?
Why RSA and RCG Are Essential
Before we dive into salary expectations, let's quickly recap why RSA and RCG certifications are so important. The RSA certification is a legal requirement for anyone working in licensed premises where alcohol is sold. It ensures that you know how to serve alcohol responsibly, manage intoxicated patrons and understand the legal implications of alcohol service.
Similarly, the RCG certification is essential for anyone working in establishments with gaming facilities. The course covers everything from understanding a person who has issues with their gambling to managing gaming-related issues responsibly.
These two certifications not only ensure compliance with Australian laws but also provide access to a variety of hospitality positions, ranging from bartending to gaming room management.
For more details on RSA and RCG courses, visit CBD College’s RSA course page.
Entry-Level Positions and Casual Rates
You'll qualify for a variety of entry-level roles in bars, clubs, hotels, and restaurants after completing the RSA and RCG courses. Some common roles include:
- Bartenders
- Waitstaff in licensed venues
- Gaming attendants
- Baristas in licensed premises
In these roles, casual workers typically earn between $28 and $35 per hour, depending on the location and experience. These rates reflect the inclusion of casual loading, a higher hourly pay rate that compensates for the lack of benefits such as paid leave.
Casual shifts often come with additional pay for working unsociable hours. For example, penalty rates for weekend work can increase your hourly rate to around $35 to $45 per hour. If you're working on public holidays, the rate can go as high as $50 to $60 per hour.
For a casual worker in hospitality, your weekly earnings could range between $1,000 and $1,500, per week depending on your shifts. Those who work more during weekends and public holidays could earn even more.
Career Advancement and Salary Growth
With the RSA and RCG certifications, you can progress to higher-paying roles as you gain experience and responsibility. For example:
- Bar Supervisors can earn between $55,000 and $65,000 annually, or around $30 to $35 per hour in a casual capacity.
- Duty Managers in licensed venues typically earn $65,000 to $80,000 per year, or about $35 to $40 per hour.
- Gaming Room Managers can expect salaries ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 per year, with casual rates often ranging from $40 to $50 per hour depending on venue size and location.
As you move into more senior roles, your hourly rate and salary can significantly increase, especially in larger venues and high-end establishments.
Additional Opportunities for Casual Workers
One of the benefits of having RSA and RCG certifications is the flexibility to pick up casual work in different venues, particularly during busy periods. Australia's hospitality industry thrives on seasonal work, with plenty of opportunities during summer, holiday periods, and major events. This allows you to take on extra shifts or freelance work, boosting your income without the need for a full-time commitment.
Conclusion
Completing the RSA and RCG courses with CBD College is a valuable investment that opens up a wide range of job opportunities in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re looking for flexible casual work or a long-term career, these certifications will equip you with the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed. Casual rates offer excellent earning potential, especially with penalty rates for weekend and holiday shifts, so you can expect competitive wages right from the start.
If you're ready to begin your hospitality career, visit the RSA and RCG courses at CBD College today and unlock your earning potential in the Australian hospitality industry.