5-Day Work Week — Hours, Penalties & Your Rights
Working a 5-day week in Australia? Understand your hours distribution, penalty rates, rostering rights, and entitlements.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A 5-day work week at the standard 7.6 hours per day gives you 38 hours per week. This is the standard full-time arrangement under most Modern Awards.
Standard Hours Distribution
Days Per Week
5
Hours Per Day
7.6
Total Weekly Hours
38
Penalty Rates
With a standard Monday-to-Friday pattern, penalty rates typically do not apply to ordinary hours.
Rostering Rights
- •Most awards provide for ordinary hours to be worked Monday to Friday.
- •A 5-day work week at 7.6 hours per day totals 38 hours — the standard 38-hour full-time week.
Related Tools
- Penalty Rate Calculator — Calculate penalty rates for weekends and public holidays
- Overtime Calculator — Calculate overtime pay at time-and-a-half or double-time
- Shift Cost Calculator — Calculate the total cost of a shift
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 5-day work week standard in Australia?
Yes, a 5-day work week (Monday to Friday) is the standard full-time arrangement under most Modern Awards.
What are the penalty rates for working 5 days a week?
With a Monday–Friday pattern, penalty rates generally don't apply to ordinary hours. Penalties apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
How many hours per day on a 5-day week?
To reach the standard 38-hour full-time week in 5 days, you would work 7.6 hours per day. The standard is 7.6 hours (or 7 hours 36 minutes) per day.
Can my employer make me work 5 days a week?
Your employer can only require you to work the days agreed in your contract and consistent with your award. Changes to your regular roster require consultation and reasonable notice (usually 7 days).
Am I entitled to a day off each week?
Most Modern Awards require at least one rostered day off per week, and many require two consecutive days off. If you are required to work on your rostered day off, penalty rates or overtime rates generally apply.
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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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