Quick Answer
Double time means 2 times your ordinary hourly rate. It commonly applies after the first two hours of overtime, for Sunday work, or in other specific circumstances under many Modern Awards. A $30/hr ordinary rate becomes $60/hr at double time. The exact rule depends on the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
Quick Estimate — Double Time
General estimate only. Whether double time applies — and how — depends on your award or agreement.
What Is Double Time?
Double time means being paid 2 times your ordinary hourly rate. It is a common overtime rate in Australian workplaces, typically applying after an initial period of time and a half overtime, or as a penalty rate for Sunday work or other specific circumstances under some awards.
Formula
Double time pay = Ordinary hourly rate × 2.0
Worked Example
If your ordinary rate is $30.00:
$30.00 × 2.0 = $60.00 per hour
For a casual employee with a loaded rate of $37.50/hr:
$37.50 × 2.0 = $75.00 per hour
Common Mistake
Confusing double time (2.0×) with double time and a half (2.5×). These are two different rates. Double time and a half — which is 2.5 times the ordinary rate — is often the rate for public holiday work under many Modern Awards, not double time. Always check which rate your award specifies for each scenario before calculating.
When Does Double Time Apply?
Double time commonly applies in the following situations (always check your award):
- Extended overtime: Many awards specify double time (2.0×) after the first two hours of overtime, once the time and a half period ends.
- Sunday work: Some awards apply 2.0× for work performed on a Sunday.
- Recall to work: Some awards apply double time for employees recalled outside ordinary hours.
- Continuous shift work: Some continuous shift arrangements attract double time in specific circumstances.
Check your specific Modern Award at the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Double Time vs Double Time and a Half
Double time (2.0×) is different from double time and a half (2.5×). Double time and a half is often the rate for public holiday work under many Modern Awards. Always verify which rate applies to your specific situation.
Use the full calculator to estimate double time with overtime and penalty rate breakdowns:
Use the Overtime Calculator AustraliaDouble Time FAQs
What is double time?
Double time means being paid 2 times your ordinary hourly rate. For example, an ordinary rate of $30/hr becomes $60/hr at double time.
When does double time apply in Australia?
Double time commonly applies after the first overtime period (usually after the first two hours at time and a half), for Sunday work under some awards, or in other specific circumstances. The exact rule depends on the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
What is the difference between double time and double time and a half?
Double time is 2.0× the ordinary rate. Double time and a half is 2.5× the ordinary rate and is often the rate applied to public holiday work under many Modern Awards. Always check which rate applies to your situation.
Does double time apply to casual employees?
For casual employees, double time is generally calculated on the casual loaded rate, not just the base rate. For example, if the casual loaded rate is $37.50/hr, double time would be $37.50 × 2.0 = $75.00/hr. Check your award for the exact method.
Last updated: May 2026