Saturday and Sunday pay rates from 1 July 2026 under common awards, for full-time, part-time and casual employees, with the percentage of the ordinary rate.
Most retail and hospitality workers get 125% on Saturdays and 150% on Sundays, or 150% and 175% as a casual. A Level 1 retail worker gets $41.72 an hour on Sundays ($48.67 casual).
Weekend pay rates by award
| Award | Classification | Ordinary hourly | Saturday | Sunday | Casual Saturday | Casual Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Retail | Retail employee level 1 | $27.81 | $34.76 (125%) | $41.72 (150%) | $41.72 (150%) | $48.67 (175%) |
| Fast Food | Level 1 | $27.81 | $34.76 (125%) | $34.76 (125%) | $41.72 (150%) | $41.72 (150%) |
| Hospitality (hotels, pubs, clubs) | F&B attendant grade 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 (125%) | $39.66 (150%) | $39.66 (150%) | $46.27 (175%) |
| Restaurant (restaurants, cafes) | F&B attendant grade 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 (125%) | $39.66 (150%) | $39.66 (150%) | $39.66 (150%) |
| Pharmacy | Pharmacy assistant level 1 | $27.81 | $34.76 (125%) | $41.72 (150%) | $41.72 (150%) | $48.67 (175%) |
| Clerks (Saturday 7am-12.30pm) | Level 1, year 1 | $26.97 | $33.71 (125%) | $53.94 (200%) | $40.46 (150%) | $60.68 (225%) |
| Hair and Beauty (Saturday 7am-6pm) | Level 3 | $29.45 | $39.17 (133%) | $58.90 (200%) | $46.53 (158%) | $66.26 (225%) |
| Health Professionals (dental) | Dental assistant level 3 | $29.11 | $43.67 (150%) | $43.67 (150%) | $50.94 (175%) | $50.94 (175%) |
| SCHADS (social and community services) | Level 1, pay point 1 | $27.55 | $41.33 (150%) | $55.10 (200%) | – | – |
| Vehicle Repair | Tradesperson level 1 | $29.45 | $44.18 (150%) | $58.90 (200%) | – | – |
| Plumbing (Saturday first 2 hours) | Registered tradesperson level 1 | $32.80 | $49.20 (150%) | $65.60 (200%) | – | – |
Adult rates for the entry or common classification, not shiftworkers, from the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides effective 1 July 2026. Percentages are of the full-time ordinary hourly rate and are worked out from the published rates. "–" means the pay guide doesn't set a single casual weekend rate. Tap an award for every level.
How it works
- Weekend penalty rates come from your award or enterprise agreement, not the National Employment Standards.
- Some awards only pay the Saturday rate for certain hours, or treat Saturday work as overtime; check the notes in brackets.
- For a public holiday see public holiday pay rates. To work out a whole week use the penalty rates calculator.
Common questions
What is the Sunday pay rate in Australia?
It depends on the award. In retail, full-time and part-time staff get 150% on Sundays and casuals 175% ($41.72 and $48.67 an hour at Level 1). Many trade, health and community awards pay double time (200%).
What is the Saturday pay rate?
Most awards pay 125% to 150% on Saturdays. Retail pays 125% ($34.76) and casuals 150% ($41.72).
Do casuals get weekend penalty rates?
Yes. Most awards set a casual weekend rate that already includes the 25% casual loading, so the percentages are higher than for permanent staff.
Why are restaurant casual Sunday rates lower?
The Restaurant Industry Award pays casuals at levels 1 and 2 150% on Sundays ($39.66), compared with 175% under the Hospitality award ($46.27).
Are these the rates for juniors?
No, these are adult rates. Juniors get their age percentage of these rates; see junior pay rates.
See also the casual loading calculator and retail pay rates.
Sources: the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for each award, cited on each award's page. General information only.