If you're casual or part-time, "hours × rate" only tells half the story. Nights, weekends and public holidays often pay penalty rates (a higher multiplier), and overtime stacks on top. Knowing how to calculate your real pay is the only way to spot when you've been short-changed.
The base formula
Start simple: base pay = hours worked × your base hourly rate. A 6-hour shift at $28/hour = $168. That’s your foundation before any penalties.
Penalty rates (the part people miss)
Many awards pay more outside normal hours. The exact multipliers depend on your industry award, but a typical pattern looks like this:
| When | Typical multiplier | $28 base becomes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday day | 1.0× (base) | $28.00 |
| Evening / night | 1.15–1.3× | ~$32–$36 |
| Saturday | 1.25–1.5× | ~$35–$42 |
| Sunday | 1.5–2.0× | ~$42–$56 |
| Public holiday | 2.0–2.5× | ~$56–$70 |
Worked example — a full mixed week
- Mon–Wed: 3 × 6 h day shifts at $28 = $504
- Fri night: 6 h at $36 (1.3×) = $216
- Sun: 5 h at $42 (1.5×) = $210
Total gross for the week = $504 + $216 + $210 = $930 for 23 hours. At a flat $28 you’d have calculated only $644 — the penalty rates added almost $286. If your payslip shows the flat number, you may be underpaid.
Gross vs net
That $930 is gross. Your take-home (net) is after tax is withheld. Working holiday makers, for example, pay 15% on the first $45,000 — so always separate "what I earned" from "what hits my account".
Set your day/night/weekend rates once and let Orary do the maths for every shift.
Try Orary free