In Australia, working unsociable hours is supposed to pay more — sometimes a lot more. These penalty rates can add 50% to 150% on top of your base rate, but they're also one of the most commonly underpaid parts of a wage. Knowing yours is how you check you're getting them.
What penalty rates are
A penalty rate is a multiplier on your base hourly rate for hours worked at certain times — evenings, weekends and public holidays. The exact multipliers come from your industry award or agreement, so they vary by sector.
Typical multipliers
| When | Typical multiplier |
|---|---|
| Weekday evening/night | 1.15× – 1.3× |
| Saturday | 1.25× – 1.5× |
| Sunday | 1.5× – 2.0× |
| Public holiday | 2.0× – 2.5× |
Worked example — a public-holiday Sunday
You earn $28/hour base and work 8 hours on a public holiday at 2.25×. That’s $28 × 2.25 = $63/hour, so 8 hours = $504 for the day — versus $224 at the base rate. If your payslip shows anything close to the base for that shift, raise it.
How to check your award
Find your award at fairwork.gov.au, note the exact multipliers for your role, and compare them to what your payslip actually paid for those hours.
Set your penalty rates once and Orary applies them to every shift automatically.
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