Calculate how much you are owed in back pay if underpaid by $3 per hour for 1 year.
Last verified: 21 May 2026You are owed approximately $6,787.56 in back pay
Based on $3/hr underpayment x 38 hrs/week x 52 weeks x 1 year, plus super and estimated interest.
| Underpayment per hour | $3.00 |
| Hours per week (full-time) | 38 |
| Weeks per year | 52 |
| Years underpaid | 1 |
| Total hours underpaid | 1,976 |
| Unpaid wages | $5,928.00 |
| Unpaid super (12%) | $711.36 |
| Estimated interest (~5% p.a.) | $148.20 |
| Total owed (estimate) | $6,787.56 |
Important: You can only claim back pay for the last 6 years from the date you lodge your claim. Any underpayment older than 6 years is statute-barred.
Your claim covers 1 year, which is within the 6-year limit. However, the sooner you act, the more you can recover.
See how back pay varies by underpayment amount and duration (wages + super, excluding interest):
If you worked full-time (38 hours/week) and were underpaid by $3/hr for 1 year, you are owed approximately $5,928.00 in wages, plus $711.36 in unpaid super (12%), for a total of approximately $6,787.56 including estimated interest.
Yes. Your employer must pay 12% super on top of your ordinary time earnings. If you were underpaid wages, your super was also likely underpaid. In this case, the super shortfall is approximately $711.36.
Under the Fair Work Act, you can claim back pay for up to 6 years from the date you file your claim. This is a strict limitation period — after 6 years, the claim is statute-barred. This is why it is important to act quickly if you believe you are being underpaid.
Courts can award interest on underpaid wages. The rate varies but is typically around 5% per annum simple interest. In this scenario, estimated interest would be approximately $148.20.
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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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