7-Day Work Week — Hours, Penalties & Your Rights
Working a 7-day week in Australia? Understand your hours distribution, penalty rates, rostering rights, and entitlements.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
Working 7 days per week is uncommon and heavily regulated. Most awards require at least one day off per week. You have the right to refuse unreasonable additional hours under s62 of the Fair Work Act.
Standard Hours Distribution
Days Per Week
7
Hours Per Day
5.4
Total Weekly Hours
38
Penalty Rates
Working 7 days a week means both Saturday and Sunday penalties apply. Sunday rates are typically 175% to 200% of the base rate. Under most awards, working 7 consecutive days is only permitted in specific circumstances.
| 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.
- •Continuous 7-day rosters are only common in specific industries (healthcare, hospitality, emergency services). Most awards require at least one full day off per week.
- •Under s62 of the Fair Work Act, you can refuse to work unreasonable additional hours, which includes excessive consecutive days.
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 7-day work week standard in Australia?
A 7-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 7 days a week?
Working 7 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 7-day week?
To reach the standard 38-hour full-time week in 7 days, you would work 5.4 hours per day. However, most awards cap daily ordinary hours at 10–12, so 7-day weeks may involve overtime.
Can my employer make me work 7 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.
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