Break Entitlements by Shift Length
Pick your shift length to see exact meal and rest break entitlements under Australian Modern Awards.
Last verified: 2 August 2026How many breaks do you get on a shift in Australia? It depends on how long you work and which Modern Award covers you. The key rule: under most awards you can't work more than 5 consecutive hours without a meal break.
Pick your shift length below to see the exact meal and rest break entitlements, broken down by the most common Modern Awards.
4-Hour Shift →
No meal break required. 0-1 x 10 min paid rest break.
5-Hour Shift →
30 min unpaid meal + 1 x 10 min paid rest break.
6-Hour Shift →
30 min unpaid meal + 1 x 10 min paid rest break.
7-Hour Shift →
30-60 min meal + 1-2 x 10 min rest breaks.
8-Hour Shift →
30-60 min meal + 2 x 10 min rest breaks. Standard full shift.
9-Hour Shift →
30-60 min meal + 2 x 10 min rest breaks. Overtime usually kicks in.
10-Hour Shift →
30-60 min meal + 2-3 rest breaks. Possible second meal break.
11-Hour Shift →
Two 30 min meal breaks + 3 x 10 min rest breaks.
12-Hour Shift →
Two 30 min meal breaks + 3 x 10-15 min rest breaks.
Need your exact award?
Our Break Compliance Checker matches your shift against the rules for your specific Modern Award — hospitality, retail, nursing, manufacturing and more.
Open Break Compliance Checker →Break entitlements at a glance
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Paid Rest Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | None required | 0-1 x 10 min |
| 5 hours | 30 min unpaid | 1 x 10 min |
| 6 hours | 30 min unpaid | 1 x 10-15 min |
| 7 hours | 30-60 min unpaid | 1-2 x 10 min |
| 8 hours | 30-60 min unpaid | 2 x 10 min |
| 9 hours | 30-60 min unpaid | 2 x 10-15 min |
| 10 hours | 30-60 min (+ possible 2nd) | 2-3 x 10 min |
| 11 hours | Two 30 min unpaid | 3 x 10 min |
| 12 hours | Two 30 min unpaid | 3 x 10-15 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I work without a break in Australia?
Under most Modern Awards, you can't work more than 5 consecutive hours without a 30-minute unpaid meal break. Some awards also require paid rest breaks of 10-15 minutes during the shift.
Are breaks paid or unpaid?
Meal breaks (lunch/dinner) are unpaid — typically 30-60 minutes. Rest breaks (tea/smoko) are paid — usually 10-15 minutes. The exact amounts depend on your award.
Do break rules change based on shift length?
Yes. The longer your shift, the more breaks you get. A 4-hour shift has no meal break, a 6-hour shift gets one 30-min meal break, and a 12-hour shift gets two meal breaks plus three rest breaks under most awards.
What if my employer doesn't give me breaks?
That's a breach of your Modern Award. Raise it with your manager in writing, keep records, and contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94. You may be owed back pay if you worked through unpaid meal breaks.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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