Quick Answer
Casual loading in Australia is commonly 25% of the ordinary hourly rate. It is added to compensate for the absence of paid annual leave and sick leave. A base rate of $30/hr becomes $37.50/hr after 25% casual loading. The exact percentage depends on your award or enterprise agreement.
Quick Estimate — Casual Loading
General estimate only. The exact loading rate and method depends on your award, enterprise agreement, or contract.
What Is Casual Loading?
Casual loading is an additional percentage added to a casual employee's base hourly rate to compensate for entitlements they do not receive — such as paid annual leave, sick leave, and notice of termination.
Many casual employees are paid a loading, commonly 25%, but the exact rate and calculation method can depend on the applicable award, enterprise agreement, or contract.
Formula
Casual loaded rate = Base hourly rate × (1 + casual loading %)
Standard: Base rate × 1.25
Worked Example
If your base hourly rate is $30.00 and casual loading is 25%:
$30.00 × 1.25 = $37.50 per hour
This $37.50 is then the rate used as the base for any overtime or penalty rate multipliers.
Common Mistake
Applying the penalty rate to the base rate instead of the loaded rate. For casual employees, overtime and penalty multipliers are generally applied to the loaded rate ($37.50), not the original base rate ($30.00). Using the base rate would underestimate the correct casual overtime pay. Always check your award to confirm the calculation method.
How Casual Loading Interacts With Overtime
When a casual employee works overtime, the casual loaded rate is generally used as the base for the overtime calculation. For example, at a casual loaded rate of $37.50/hr:
- Time and a half (1.5×): $37.50 × 1.5 = $56.25/hr
- Double time (2.0×): $37.50 × 2.0 = $75.00/hr
However, this can vary depending on the award or agreement. Always check your specific instrument.
Does Casual Loading Vary by Award?
Yes. While 25% is the legislated minimum for many casual employees, some awards specify different loading percentages or different methods for calculating casual pay on weekends and public holidays. Always check your specific Modern Award at the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Estimate casual pay with overtime and penalty rates included:
Use the Overtime Calculator AustraliaCasual Loading FAQs
What is casual loading in Australia?
Casual loading is an additional percentage added to a casual employee's base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave entitlements such as annual leave and sick leave. The standard rate under the Fair Work Act is 25%.
Is casual loading always 25%?
25% is the legislated minimum for many casual employees, but some Modern Awards or enterprise agreements specify a different percentage. Always check your specific award or enterprise agreement at the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Does casual loading apply on top of penalty rates?
It depends on the award. In many cases, casual loading is applied to the base rate first, then the penalty or overtime rate is applied on top of the loaded rate. However, some awards specify a flat casual rate for each day type. Always check your applicable award.
Do casual employees get overtime?
Casual employees may be entitled to overtime under their award or enterprise agreement if they work beyond the ordinary hours threshold. Overtime is generally calculated on the casual loaded rate, not just the base rate.
Last updated: May 2026