Calculate the true cost of a shift with penalties & super
Estimate the cost of a single staff shift. This calculator factors in penalty rates, overtime, unpaid breaks and superannuation to give an indicative figure for planning.
This calculator provides general estimates only. Shift costs vary by award, agreement, penalties and employment type, and it is not legal or payroll advice — always verify with official sources. 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.
Shift cost calculator
Enter the base rate, shift length and day type. Add breaks, overtime and super in the advanced options.
Estimated shift cost
Estimates only — verify before making decisions.
Why shift costs vary
Penalty rates
Weekend and public holiday shifts can cost 25–100% more than ordinary weekday hours, depending on the award.
Overtime stacking
When overtime applies on top of a penalty day, the multipliers stack — pushing the effective rate well above base.
Breaks reduce paid time
Unpaid meal breaks are deducted from paid hours, so a rostered 8-hour shift may only be 7.5 paid hours.
Superannuation
Super is added on top of gross wages, so every shift costs more than the wages alone suggest.
How small roster changes compound
Penalty rates in Australia commonly range from 125% to 250% of the base rate once weekends, evenings and public holidays are factored in. Because those multipliers apply to every paid hour, small changes — a longer shift, a later finish that tips into a higher rate, or dropping a break — compound quickly across a full roster.
Modelling a single shift first makes the pattern obvious, then you can see how it scales in the roster cost forecast calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
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Yes. The day type sets a penalty multiplier (weekday, Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) that is applied to the base rate. You can adjust it to match your award or a custom scenario.
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Yes. Enable overtime in the advanced settings and apply an overtime multiplier that stacks with the penalty rate for the day.
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Yes. Unpaid breaks are deducted from paid hours. Set the break duration to zero if no break is taken.
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Yes. Super is included using the rate you enter (default 12%) and is calculated on top of gross wages.