Penalty Rates Calculator
Work out your penalty rate pay. Enter your ordinary hourly rate, hours and the penalty, weekend, evening and public-holiday work attract higher rates set by your award or agreement.
How we estimate this
Penalty rates are higher pay for working at less sociable times, and they are set by your modern award or enterprise agreement. Common examples are 125% to 150% for Saturdays, 175% to 200% for Sundays and 250% for public holidays, but they vary a lot by industry.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
Understanding penalty ratess in Australia
Penalty rates are higher pay for working at less sociable times, and they are set by your modern award or enterprise agreement. Common examples are 125% to 150% for Saturdays, 175% to 200% for Sundays and 250% for public holidays, but they vary a lot by industry.
Casuals usually receive penalty rates on top of their casual loading in some awards, and compounding rules differ. Always check the exact rates and how they combine in your specific award on the Fair Work website.
Frequently asked questions
What are penalty rates in Australia?
Higher pay for working weekends, nights and public holidays, set by your award or agreement. Common rates are 150% on Saturdays, 175 to 200% on Sundays and 250% on public holidays, but they vary by industry.
Do casuals get penalty rates and loading?
In many awards casuals receive penalty rates in addition to their casual loading, but how they combine varies. Check your specific award on the Fair Work website.
Are you a bookkeeper / payroll service?
Everyone on this page is working out what penalty rates costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.