Award Pay Rate Calculator
Award rates come from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool.
About This Tool
Modern Awards are legally binding documents that set out minimum pay rates, working hours, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements for employees in specific industries or occupations. There are 122 Modern Awards in Australia, covering the vast majority of the workforce. The Fair Work Commission reviews award wages annually, with increases typically taking effect from 1 July each year.
Why This Matters for Australian Businesses
Paying below award rates — even unintentionally — is a breach of the Fair Work Act and can result in significant penalties. The Fair Work Ombudsman can issue compliance notices and infringement notices, and courts can impose penalties of up to $93,900 per contravention for companies. High-profile underpayment cases have resulted in multi-million dollar back-payment obligations. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool to check the legal minimum under the relevant award. SoftwareHQ does not calculate award rates.
Key Rules & Thresholds
- Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate in lieu of leave entitlements
- Weekend penalty rates typically range from 125% (Saturday) to 150–200% (Sunday) of the base rate
- Public holiday rates are generally 250% (double time and a half) of the base rate
- Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate under most awards
- The national minimum wage applies only to award-free employees — most workers are covered by a specific award
- Award rates are reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission, with new rates effective from 1 July
Official Resources
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Pay Calculator (PACT)
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Minimum wages
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Awards