Is working 50 hours per week legal in Australia? See overtime rules, pay equivalents, and your right to refuse unreasonable hours.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Working 50 hours per week exceeds the 38-hour maximum ordinary hours under the NES. The additional 12 hours are overtime. Under s62 of the Fair Work Act, an employer must not require an employee to work unreasonable additional hours. You have the right to refuse if the hours are unreasonable.
Classification
full-time with overtime
Ordinary Hours
38 hrs/wk
Overtime Hours
12 hrs/wk
At 50 hours per week, you are working 12 hours of overtime beyond the 38-hour maximum ordinary hours. Under most awards, overtime is paid at 150% (time and a half) for the first 2–3 hours per day and 200% (double time) thereafter. Over a full year, this overtime could significantly increase your total earnings.
What 50 hours per week works out to annually at different hourly rates (ordinary time only, before overtime loadings):
| Hourly Rate | Annual Equivalent | Fortnightly |
|---|---|---|
| $24.10/hr | $62,660.00 | $2,410.00 |
| $28.00/hr | $72,800.00 | $2,800.00 |
| $32.00/hr | $83,200.00 | $3,200.00 |
| $36.00/hr | $93,600.00 | $3,600.00 |
| $40.00/hr | $104,000.00 | $4,000.00 |
| $45.00/hr | $117,000.00 | $4,500.00 |
| $50.00/hr | $130,000.00 | $5,000.00 |
| $60.00/hr | $156,000.00 | $6,000.00 |
Working 50 hours per week means 12 hours of overtime beyond the 38-hour standard. Under s62 of the Fair Work Act, you can refuse unreasonable additional hours. Factors include risk to health, personal circumstances, notice given, and the nature of your role.
Section 62 Fair Work Act — Factors for determining reasonableness:
Yes, but 50 hours exceeds the 38-hour maximum ordinary hours. The additional 12 hours must be reasonable, and you generally must be paid overtime rates.
At 38+ hours per week, you are classified as full-time.
You can refuse the 12 overtime hours if they are unreasonable under s62 of the Fair Work Act. Factors include health and safety risks, personal circumstances, notice given, and whether overtime is paid.
At the national minimum wage of $25.50/hour, 50 hours per week equals $66,300.00 per year before tax. At $30/hour, it's $78,000.00 per year.
Under most Modern Awards, hours beyond 38 per week (or beyond your ordinary hours if part-time) are paid at overtime rates — typically 150% for the first 2–3 hours and 200% thereafter. Check your award for specific rates.
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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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