Working a 6-day week in Australia? Understand your hours distribution, penalty rates, rostering rights, and entitlements.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Working 6 days per week typically means one weekend day is included. Most awards require penalty rates for Saturday and/or Sunday work. You are entitled to at least one rostered day off per week under most awards.
Days Per Week
6
Hours Per Day
6.3
Total Weekly Hours
38
Working 6 days usually means Saturday work, which attracts penalty rates under most awards — typically 125% to 150% of the base rate. Sunday work attracts 150% to 200%.
| Day | Typical Penalty Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 100% (ordinary rate) |
| Saturday | 125% – 150% |
| Sunday | 150% – 200% |
| Public Holidays | 200% – 250% |
Rates vary by award. Use the Penalty Rate Calculator for your exact rates.
A 6-day work week is not standard. Most awards provide for 5-day weeks with penalty rates applying for the 6th and 7th day.
Working 6 days typically includes weekend work. Saturday penalty rates are usually 125%–150% and Sunday rates 150%–200% of the base rate under most awards.
To reach the standard 38-hour full-time week in 6 days, you would work 6.3 hours per day. However, most awards cap daily ordinary hours at 10–12, so 6-day weeks may involve overtime.
Your employer can only require you to work the days agreed in your contract and consistent with your award. Requiring 6 or 7 days without agreement may constitute unreasonable additional hours under s62 of the Fair Work Act.
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 check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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