6-Day Work Week — Hours, Penalties & Your Rights
Working a 6-day week in Australia? Understand your hours distribution, penalty rates, rostering rights, and entitlements.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
Working 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.
Standard Hours Distribution
Days Per Week
6
Hours Per Day
6.3
Total Weekly Hours
38
Penalty Rates
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.
Rostering Rights
- •Most awards limit work to a maximum of 6 consecutive days, with at least one rostered day off per week.
- •Penalty rates for the 6th and 7th day are set by your applicable Modern Award or enterprise agreement.
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 6-day work week standard in Australia?
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.
What are the penalty rates for working 6 days a week?
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.
How many hours per day on a 6-day week?
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.
Can my employer make me work 6 days a week?
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.
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.
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.
Learn more
What are your weekend and public holiday penalty rates? Lookup by award — retail, hospitality, fast food & more. Free calculator shows exactly what you should earn per hour.
Overtime & Penalty Rates Explained: Weekend, Night & Public Holiday Pay 2026A comprehensive guide to overtime and penalty rates in Australia for 2026. Covers weekend rates, night shift penalties, public holiday pay (2.5x), how to check your award, and common issues with overtime across retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Time and a Half Calculator: What's Your Penalty Rate? (2026 Australia)Calculate time and a half, double time, and other penalty rates on your base pay. Quick reference by award. Free instant calculator for Australian workers.