Overtime & Penalty Rate Calculator (Australia)
Estimate the cost of overtime, weekend, and public holiday shifts. This calculator applies penalty multipliers to provide indicative figures for planning purposes.
Takes ~30 seconds · No login required · AU estimates only
Enter shift details
Estimated shift cost
Enter details and click calculate to see results
Estimated shift cost
$0.00
Effective hourly rate
$0.00/hr
Gross wages
$0.00
Superannuation
$0.00
Penalty/overtime uplift
+$0.00
Common penalty rates
Rates vary by award. Check your specific Modern Award for accurate rates.
This calculator provides general estimates only. Penalty rates and overtime rules vary by award and agreement.
What are penalty rates?
Penalty rates apply when employees work outside ordinary hours—such as weekends, public holidays, evenings, or early mornings. These higher rates compensate workers for the inconvenience of working unsociable hours.
Saturday rates
Typically 125-150% of base pay. Varies by award and employment type (casual vs permanent).
Sunday rates
Typically 150-200% of base pay. Usually higher than Saturday rates under most awards.
Public holiday rates
Typically 200-250% of base pay. The highest penalty rates under most awards.
What is overtime?
Beyond ordinary hours
Overtime generally applies when employees work beyond their ordinary hours or agreed rostered shifts. Most awards require overtime at 150% for the first 2-3 hours and 200% thereafter.
Multipliers can stack
When overtime occurs during a penalty period (like Sunday overtime), multipliers may stack, significantly increasing the cost. Understanding these interactions is crucial for accurate forecasting.
Why penalty shifts increase labour costs
Penalty multipliers can quickly escalate labour costs. Here's how the same 8-hour shift at $25/hour looks across different days:
$200
Base cost
$300
+50% increase
$400
+100% increase
Why accurate roster planning matters
Small changes to shift timing or scheduling can have outsized impacts on your total wage bill. Understanding the true cost of each shift helps you make smarter rostering decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
- No. Penalty rates vary significantly by Modern Award, enterprise agreement, and employment type (casual, part-time, full-time). Common penalty rates include 125% for Saturday, 150% for Sunday, and 200-250% for public holidays, but your specific award may differ.
- Yes. You can toggle overtime on and apply an overtime multiplier (commonly 1.5x for the first 2-3 hours and 2x thereafter). The calculator combines penalty rates with overtime multipliers when both apply.
- Yes. Superannuation is calculated on the gross wages for the shift using the rate you enter (default 12%). Super is payable on most penalty rate and overtime earnings.
- No. This calculator focuses on base rates, penalty multipliers, overtime, and superannuation. Award-specific allowances (meal, travel, uniform, etc.) are not included and would need to be added separately.
- No. This tool provides general estimates only based on the multipliers you enter. Actual penalty rates, overtime rules, and entitlements depend on your specific Modern Award, enterprise agreement, or employment contract. Always verify with official sources.
- When overtime is worked during a penalty period (e.g., Sunday overtime), multipliers typically stack. For example, Sunday at 150% with overtime at 150% could result in an effective rate of 225% (1.5 × 1.5 = 2.25). Check your award for specific stacking rules.
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Disclaimer
This calculator provides general estimates only. Penalty rates, overtime rules, and superannuation obligations vary by Modern Award, enterprise agreement, and employment type. This is not legal or payroll advice. Always verify with official sources such as the Fair Work Pay Calculator and consult with qualified professionals.
Overtime & penalty rate 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 estimates do not account for specific Modern Award provisions, enterprise agreements, or penalty rate structures that may apply to your situation.
3. User Responsibility
You are solely responsible for:
- verifying all calculations with official sources,
- consulting qualified professionals for payroll and employment matters,
- supporting compliance with applicable awards, agreements, and legislation.
4. Penalty Rates Vary by Award
Penalty and overtime rates vary significantly between Modern Awards. The multipliers used in this calculator are simplified examples and may not match your specific award requirements.
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 and rules change frequently, and this tool may not reflect the latest updates.
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 business decisions.
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