How do I calculate pay for a single shift in Australia?

Multiply your paid hours (total shift duration minus any unpaid breaks) by the applicable hourly rate. The hourly rate equals your base rate × the day-type penalty multiplier (e.g. 1.0 weekday, 1.25 Saturday, 1.75 Sunday, 2.5 public holiday) × 1.25 if you are a casual employee. Penalty multipliers vary between Modern Awards — always verify yours.

What are the standard penalty rate multipliers in Australia?

Common Modern Award defaults are: Weekday 1.0× (no penalty), Saturday 1.25× (time-and-a-quarter), Sunday 1.75× to 2.0× depending on the award, and Public Holiday 2.5× (double-time-and-a-half). The Hospitality, Restaurant, Retail, Clerks, Manufacturing, and other awards each set slightly different rates — check the specific award that covers your job.

Do casuals get penalty rates on top of the 25% casual loading?

Yes. Most Modern Awards apply the 25% casual loading on top of the penalty rate. So a casual working a Sunday under an award with a 1.75× Sunday penalty earns base × 1.75 × 1.25 = 2.1875× the base rate. Some awards calculate this 'additively' instead (penalty + 25% added together to the base rate). The Casual Overtime calculator on each award page shows the exact method per award.

Is my unpaid meal break deducted from my shift pay?

Yes. Unpaid meal breaks (typically 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours) are deducted from the total shift duration to give you paid hours. Rest breaks (usually 10-minute paid breaks every few hours) are NOT deducted — they are paid time. Check your award for specific break rules.

What if my shift goes overnight (e.g. 10pm to 6am)?

An overnight shift counts as a single shift across midnight. The day type is usually determined by where the majority of the shift falls or by the award's specific rule (some awards apportion across two days). For Saturday/Sunday transitions, the calculator treats the full shift under the start day — verify with your award if hours straddle a penalty change.

Shift Pay Calculator Australia 2026

Calculate exact pay for a single shift. Includes penalty rates by day, casual loading, and unpaid break deduction.

Last verified: 21 May 2026

An 8-hour Sunday shift at $25/hr base earns $350 (1.75× Sunday penalty). Add 25% casual loading and that becomes $437.50. Enter your shift below for an exact figure.

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Common shift scenarios

8hr Sunday shift, $25/hr base

Permanent: 8 × $25 × 1.75 = $350

Casual: 8 × $25 × 1.75 × 1.25 = $437.50

10hr public holiday, $30/hr base

Permanent: 10 × $30 × 2.5 = $750

Casual: 10 × $30 × 2.5 × 1.25 = $937.50

12hr Saturday, $24/hr base, 30-min break

11.5 paid hours × $24 × 1.25 = $345

8hr overnight (10pm-6am), $26/hr base

8 × $26 × 1.0 = $208 (plus any award night-shift loading)

Can My Employer Make Me Work Overtime? — Your Rights in Australia (2026)

Know your rights on overtime in Australia. When your employer can and cannot require overtime, maximum hours, penalty rates, and how to refuse unreasonable overtime under the Fair Work Act.

Overtime Pay Australia 2026: Rates, Penalties & Weekend Calculator

Saturday 150%, Sunday 175-200%, public holidays 250%. Exact overtime pay rates by award — retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. Free calculator included.

Can My Boss Force Me to Work Overtime? Australian Law Explained

Told to stay back and work overtime? Here's when your boss can require it, when you can refuse, what 'reasonable overtime' actually means, and exactly what you should be paid under Australian law.

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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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