Overtime Pay Calculator Australia

How Overtime Pay Works in Australia

Overtime rates in Australia are set by your award, enterprise agreement or employment contract, not by a single national rule. The most common rates are time and a half (1.5×) and double time (2×), with some awards paying 2.5× or 3× for Sundays and public holidays.

Who Qualifies for Overtime?

Most full-time and part-time employees under awards are entitled to overtime once they exceed ordinary hours — commonly 38 hours per week. Salaried employees may have overtime built into their salary (often called "salary sacrificing" overtime), so check your contract.

Time and a Half vs Double Time

Time and a half pays 1.5 × your base hourly rate and typically applies to the first few overtime hours or weekdays after ordinary hours. Double time pays 2 × and usually applies to weekends, public holidays or extended overtime. Some awards add penalty rates on top for Saturday, Sunday and holiday work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is overtime pay calculated?

Overtime pay = hourly rate × overtime hours × multiplier. For example, 5 hours at 1.5× on a $35 rate = $262.50.

Is overtime time and a half or double time?

It depends on your award. Most awards pay 1.5× for the first extra hours and 2× for later hours, weekends and public holidays.

What is a penalty rate?

A penalty rate is a higher multiplier for working unsociable hours — evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays — set by the award.

Are salaried employees paid overtime?

Many salaried roles include overtime in the annual salary. Check your contract — if not, you may still be entitled to award overtime.

How many ordinary hours before overtime applies?

Usually 38 hours per week for full-time employees under modern awards, or the hours in your contract.