Compare your annualised salary against the Modern Award rates. AS-1 and AS-2 clauses require employers to reconcile annually — and pay any shortfall within 14 days. Find out if you're owed back-pay.
Last verified: 21 May 202622+ Modern Awards have annualised salary clauses. Annual reconciliation is mandatory. Most employers either don't do it or get it wrong — significant back-pay claims commonly result.
Enter your annualised salary, your award + classification, and your actual hours worked across the year. The tool calculates what you would have earned under the strict award rates.
| Component | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $49,301.20 |
| Overtime (1.5×) | $0.00 |
| Saturday penalty | $0.00 |
| Sunday penalty | $0.00 |
| Public holiday penalty | $0.00 |
| Total award entitlement | $49,301.20 |
| Annualised salary paid | $75,000.00 |
No shortfall — salary covered
$25,698.80 surplus
Your annualised salary exceeded your award entitlement for the year by this amount. No shortfall payment required.
Simplified calculation. Real reconciliation may include additional allowances (tool, travel, meal), multi-tier overtime (1.5× first 2hrs then 2×), and award-specific exclusions. Check the AS clause text in your specific award.
If you find a shortfall
The award requires the employer to pay the shortfall within 14 days. If unpaid, lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94). Civil penalties up to $93,900 per contravention apply. You can claim back-pay for up to 6 years under section 544 of the Fair Work Act 2009.
A plain-English guide to modern awards in Australia for 2026. Learn what a modern award is, how to determine which one applies to your business, pay rates, penalty and overtime rates, allowances, and the most common compliance mistakes employers make.
Think You're Being Underpaid? How to Check & Claim Back Wages in AustraliaA step-by-step guide to checking if you're being underpaid at work in Australia, how to use Fair Work's PACT tool, the formal complaint process, time limits for back-pay claims, and the new wage theft criminal penalties from 2025.
What Award Am I Under? Find Your Modern Award in 30 SecondsNot sure which Modern Award covers your job? Use our free Award Finder — enter your industry or job title and get your award code instantly. Covers all 120+ awards.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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