Casual vs Part-Time Cost Calculator (Australia)
Compare the estimated annual cost of employing someone as casual or part-time. This calculator provides indicative figures based on casual loading, paid leave entitlements, and superannuation using your inputs.
Takes ~30 seconds · No login · Estimates only
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Real-world cost examples
See how employment type affects total cost in common scenarios
Café worker
Retail assistant
Aged care worker
Examples use 25% casual loading, 12% super, 4 weeks annual leave, 10 days personal leave, and 10 public holidays.
What's included in each employment type
Key entitlements comparison for casual vs part-time employees in Australia
| Entitlement | C Casual | P Part-Time |
|---|---|---|
| Casual loading (25%) | ||
| Annual leave (4 weeks pro-rata) | ||
| Personal/carer's leave (10 days pro-rata) | ||
| Paid public holidays | ||
| Notice of termination | ||
| Redundancy pay | ||
| Superannuation | ||
| Guaranteed hours | ||
| Can refuse shifts | ||
| Leave loading (17.5%) | Award dependent |
Casual conversion rights in Australia
Since 2021, eligible casual employees have the right to request conversion to permanent employment
Employment begins
Casual employee starts work with no guaranteed hours
6 months regular work
Employee works a regular pattern of hours for at least 6 months
12-month eligibility
After 12 months, casual can request conversion to part-time or full-time
Conversion approved
If accepted, employee becomes part-time with full entitlements
21-day response
Employer must respond to conversion request within 21 days
Written request
Request must be made in writing to the employer
Reasonable refusal
Employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds
Why casual and part-time costs differ
Casual employees receive a higher hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. Part-time employees receive entitlements such as annual leave and personal leave, which increases total employment cost over time.
When casual may be cheaper
- Short-term or seasonal work
- Irregular or unpredictable hours
- Limited paid leave obligations
When part-time may be cheaper
- Ongoing, regular weekly hours
- Long-term roles
- Lower hourly rate offsets paid leave
Choosing the right employment type
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Casual vs Part-Time FAQs
- No. Casual employees are paid a higher hourly rate, but part-time employees receive paid leave. The cheaper option depends on hours worked and entitlements.
- Most modern awards apply a 25% casual loading, but this can vary by award or agreement.
- Yes, part-time employees generally receive annual leave and personal/carer's leave on a pro-rata basis.
- Superannuation may apply to both casual and part-time employees depending on eligibility. This calculator includes super as an estimate.
- Yes. This calculator compares base costs only. Penalties, allowances, and overtime can change the outcome.
- In many cases, yes. Rules vary by award and employment pattern.
- No. It provides general guidance only.
Related resources
Explore guides, insights, and templates to help you get more from this tool.
Handle casual conversion requests
Managing casual to permanent conversion under Fair Work requirements.
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Modern award pay rate estimates
Get indicative pay rate estimates for common Australian awards. Verify with Fair Work.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides general estimates only. Actual employment costs depend on awards, penalties, superannuation eligibility, and individual circumstances. It does not constitute legal or payroll advice.
Casual vs part-time calculator – disclaimer & terms of use
Please read and accept the following terms before using this calculator.
1. Estimates Only
This calculator provides general estimates for planning and educational purposes only. Results are not intended to be accurate, complete, or suitable for any specific purpose.
2. Not Legal or Financial Advice
This tool does not provide legal, financial, payroll, or employment advice. The comparison does not account for specific Modern Award provisions, enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or other employment conditions.
3. User Responsibility
You are solely responsible for:
- verifying all calculations with official sources,
- consulting qualified professionals for employment and payroll matters,
- supporting compliance with applicable awards, agreements, and legislation.
4. Employment Type Considerations
The choice between casual and part-time employment involves many factors beyond cost, including flexibility, job security, leave entitlements, and workforce needs. This calculator only compares estimated costs and does not provide guidance on which employment type is appropriate.
5. No Guarantee of Accuracy
While we aim to provide helpful estimates, we make no warranties about the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the results. Rates, loadings, and entitlements change frequently and vary by award.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, RosterElf and its providers disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or claims arising from the use of this calculator or reliance on its results.
Confirmation
I understand that this calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for professional advice. I will verify all calculations before making employment decisions.
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