Doing the work of a higher classification than you're paid for? This tool works out the hourly rate difference between your award levels and the weekly, period and annualised higher-duties uplift you may be owed. General information, not legal advice.
Last verified: 21 May 2026If you're paid at one classification but doing the work of a higher one, many awards require your employer to pay you at the higher rate for that work. Pick your award, your current (paid) level and the higher level you're actually performing, then enter how much higher-duties work you're doing.
| Your current rate (base, per hour) | $24.95 |
| Higher-duties rate (base, per hour) | $25.85 |
| Difference per hour | $0.90 |
| Higher-duties hours per week | 40 |
| Weekly uplift owed | $36.00 |
| Over 10 weeks | $360.00 |
| Annualised (if it continued 52 weeks) | $1,872.00 |
Possible higher-duties uplift
$360.00 over 10 weeks
Based on the base-rate difference between the two classifications. Many awards contain a “higher duties” or “mixed functions” clause that requires the higher rate where you perform the higher work — sometimes for the whole day, or where the higher work is the larger part of your day. The exact rule varies by award, so the real amount can be more than this estimate.
Doing the work of a higher classification — “acting up”, covering a manager, or regularly performing duties above your pay grade — can trigger a higher-duties or mixed-functions entitlement under your award or enterprise agreement. The most common patterns are: pay the higher rate for the actual hours on higher duties; pay the higher rate for the whole day once you've done higher work; or pay the higher rate where it makes up the larger part of your day. Some awards also set a minimum acting-up period before it applies.
This calculator estimates the base-rate gap only and does not include allowances, penalty rates, overtime loadings or agreement terms. Confirm the exact clause for your award, or ask our AI advisor below.
Rates are the base hourly rates in our award data and are general information, not legal advice. Higher-duties entitlements are set by the specific clause in your Modern Award or enterprise agreement. For the official position, check the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or your award.
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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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