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FairWorkMate

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Casual Loading Calculator

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$

Your base hourly rate before casual loading is applied.

hrs

How many hours you work per week on average.

%

The standard casual loading is 25% under most Modern Awards.

weeks

How many weeks you actually work per year (casuals typically work 46–50 weeks).

Casual overtime — does the 1.5× apply to the base rate or the casual rate?

One of the most common payroll questions under Australian Modern Awards. The answer depends on how your award is drafted. There are three treatments in use across the awards we've researched:

  • Additive — the 25% casual loading is added to the penalty percentage. A 150% overtime rate becomes 175% of the ordinary (base) rate; 200% becomes 225%. Used by MA000020 (Building), MA000009 (Hospitality), MA000004 (Retail), MA000002 (Clerks), MA000003 (Fast Food).
  • Compounded — the award defines a “casual ordinary hourly rate” that is already 25% loaded, and the overtime multiplier is applied to that. Used by MA000010 (Manufacturing), MA000034 (Nurses), MA000018 (Aged Care, post-March 2021).
  • Separate — the 25% loading applies to ordinary hours only; overtime is on the base rate without the loading. Used by MA000100 (SCHADS).

Pick the award and classification below — the calculator shows all three methods side-by-side and highlights the one this award actually uses, with the clause reference.

Select the Modern Award that covers your work. If you're not sure, use the Award Finder tool.

Base rate is set by the award; casual rate is base + 25%.

Pick the penalty scenario — overtime, weekend, or public holiday.

hrs

How many hours were worked under this penalty scenario.

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