Leave Loading Calculator Australia
Work out the 17.5% annual leave loading you receive on top of your normal pay while on annual leave — plus your weekly rate, leave pay and the total amount you get.
Annual Leave Loading Calculator (17.5%)
Work out how much 17.5% annual leave loading adds to your pay for the leave you take.
• 17.5% × $6,923.08 = $1,211.54
• Leave loading of 17.5% is the standard under most modern awards and enterprise agreements. Not every employee is entitled — check your award or employment agreement.
What is Annual Leave Loading?
Annual leave loading is an extra payment on top of your ordinary pay that many Australian employees receive while taking annual leave. Under most modern awards and enterprise agreements, it is paid at 17.5% of the leave pay.
The loading compensates employees for penalty rates, shift allowances and overtime they would otherwise earn while working. Not every employee is entitled to it — check your award or employment agreement to confirm the rate and whether loading applies to you.
How to Calculate Leave Loading
Leave loading is calculated as 17.5% of your weekly rate for each week of annual leave. Enter your annual salary and the number of weeks of leave. The calculator works out your weekly rate (annual salary ÷ 52), your leave pay for those weeks, the loading amount, and the total you receive.
For example, on a $90,000 salary the weekly rate is $1,730.77. Four weeks of leave = $6,923.08, plus 17.5% loading of $1,211.54, for a total of $8,134.62.
Who Gets Leave Loading?
Most full-time and part-time employees covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement are entitled to 17.5% loading on annual leave. Casual employees generally do not — their 25% casual loading replaces paid leave entitlements, so they have nothing additional to load up. Employees whose pay is salary-packaged may have the loading built into their package.
Key Things to Know
- Loading is paid only for the leave period you actually take.
- It can be paid while on leave or as a separate payment when you return.
- Unused leave paid out on termination usually does not attract loading — check your award.
- Some awards or agreements pay a higher rate, so always confirm yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 17.5% leave loading?
Annual leave loading is an extra 17.5% paid on top of your ordinary pay while you take annual leave, under most awards and enterprise agreements. It compensates you for the penalty rates and shift allowances you lose while away from work.
Is leave loading paid on top of annual leave?
Yes. Leave loading is added to your normal pay for the leave period. For example, 4 weeks of leave at a $1,730.77 weekly rate attracts about $1,211.54 in loading.
Do casual employees get leave loading?
Generally no. Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading instead of paid leave entitlements, so there is no separate leave loading to pay.
When is leave loading paid?
It is usually paid at the same time as your annual leave pay — either before you go on leave or on each normal pay day during the leave period, depending on your award or agreement.
Is leave loading paid out on termination?
Usually not. When unused annual leave is paid out on termination, the payment is at your ordinary rate and generally does not include loading. Check your award for the specific rule.
How much is annual leave loading in Australia?
The standard rate is 17.5%, set under most modern awards and the National Employment Standards. Some enterprise agreements pay more — always confirm the rate that applies to you.