Add the 25% casual loading to any hourly rate
Enter a base hourly rate and the calculator adds the casual loading (25% by default, editable) to show the casual hourly rate, the loading in dollars per hour, and weekly and annual pay.
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This calculator provides general estimates only. The correct casual loading is set by the relevant modern award or enterprise agreement (commonly 25%) and does not include penalty rates, overtime, allowances or superannuation. It is not legal or payroll advice — always confirm rates with the Fair Work Pay Calculator before paying staff. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Casual loading calculator
Enter the base hourly rate and hours. The loading defaults to 25% — change it if your award differs.
Casual pay estimate
Estimates only — verify before making decisions.
How to calculate casual loading
5 steps, using the same method as the calculator above.
Find the base hourly rate
The award classification rate before loading.
Check the loading percentage
Usually 25%, but confirm against your award.
Multiply base rate by the loading
Base rate × (1 + loading). $25.00 at 25% = $31.25.
Multiply by hours worked
Loaded rate × hours worked in the period.
Remember what the loading replaces
It compensates for leave and notice — not a bonus.
Worked example: a $25.00 casual at 25% loading
What the loading adds per hour and across a year of part-year work.
Casual employee, $25.00 base hourly rate
Indicative estimate- Casual loading
- 25%
- Hours per week
- 20
- Weeks per year
- 48
Casual pay breakdown
The same hours at the base rate would be $24,000 — the loading adds $6,000 a year. Compare against a permanent hire with the casual vs part-time cost calculator.
What casual loading is
Casual loading is an extra percentage added to a casual employee’s base hourly rate — usually 25% under most modern awards. It compensates casuals for entitlements permanent staff receive but casuals do not, such as paid annual leave, paid personal/carer’s leave, paid public holidays and notice of termination.
To calculate it, multiply the base hourly rate by 1 plus the loading. At 25%, a $25.00 base rate becomes $25.00 × 1.25 = $31.25 per hour. The loading itself is $25.00 × 0.25 = $6.25 per hour. Note this is the ordinary casual rate only — penalty rates for weekends, evenings and public holidays are calculated on top and vary by award.
Worked examples (25% loading)
How the 25% casual loading changes hourly, weekly and annual pay. Figures exclude penalty rates, overtime and superannuation.
Café casual · $25.00/hr · 20 hrs/wk
Casual rate $31.25/hr (loading $6.25/hr). Weekly $625.00, annual $32,500.00.
Retail casual · $27.00/hr · 15 hrs/wk
Casual rate $33.75/hr (loading $6.75/hr). Weekly $506.25, annual $26,325.00.
Hospitality casual · $30.00/hr · 38 hrs/wk
Casual rate $37.50/hr (loading $7.50/hr). Weekly $1,425.00, annual $74,100.00.
Casual loading vs part-time — which is cheaper?
Casual loading makes each hour more expensive, but casuals don’t accrue paid leave. Whether a casual or a permanent part-timer costs less over a year depends on hours and entitlements. Compare them side by side with the casual vs part-time cost calculator.
Stop hand-checking award rates
RosterElf interprets modern award rules automatically when you roster and approve timesheets, so the right rate is applied without a spreadsheet.
Paying casual staff across multiple awards?
Upgrade to RosterElf to apply the right casual loading, penalties and rates automatically.
Free calculator
Great for a quick casual loading check
- 25% casual loading (editable)
- Casual hourly, weekly & annual pay
- Instant estimate
- No signup required
- Automatic award interpretation
- Penalty rates & overtime applied
- Time & attendance tracking
- Payroll integration
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- Award interpretation & penalties
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- Payroll sync with employee records
- Workwise AI compliance assistant
- Central document storage & management
- Leave management with approvals
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Related resources
Explore guides, insights, and templates to help you get more from this tool.
Calculate penalty rates
Apply weekend, evening and public-holiday penalties on top of the base rate.
Find which award applies
Confirm the casual loading and rates set by the correct modern award.
Handle casual conversion requests
Managing casual to permanent conversion under Fair Work requirements.
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Casual vs part-time calculator
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Overtime & penalty rate calculator
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Frequently asked questions
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Multiply the base hourly rate by 1 plus the loading percentage. At the common 25% loading, a $25.00 base rate becomes $25.00 × 1.25 = $31.25 per hour. The loading portion alone is the base rate × the loading percentage (here $25.00 × 0.25 = $6.25). Confirm the loading in the relevant modern award.
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Most modern awards apply a 25% casual loading, but it can vary by award or enterprise agreement. Check the casual employees rules and the applicable award, or verify with the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
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Generally yes — under many awards the casual loading and penalty rates both apply, though how they combine (added together or compounded) depends on the award. This tool shows the ordinary casual rate only.