Quick Answer
Public holiday pay in Australia is commonly 250% (double time and a half) of the ordinary hourly rate under many Modern Awards. A $30/hr employee working a public holiday at 250% earns an estimated $75/hr. Entitlement to public holiday pay depends on the award, employment type and whether the employee actually works on the day — always check your award.
Quick Estimate — Public Holiday Pay
General estimate only. Public holiday pay entitlements and rates vary by award — check your applicable award for the correct rate.
What Is Public Holiday Pay?
Public holiday pay refers to the higher rates of pay that may apply when an employee works on a recognised public holiday. Under the National Employment Standards, most employees have the right to be absent from work on a public holiday. If required to work, they are generally entitled to be paid at a penalty rate.
Formula
Public holiday pay estimate = Ordinary hourly rate × Public holiday multiplier
Common rate: Ordinary rate × 2.5 (for 250%)
Worked Example
If your ordinary rate is $30.00 and the public holiday penalty rate under your award is 250%:
$30.00 × 2.5 = $75.00 per hour
Common Mistake
Assuming all employees automatically receive public holiday pay. Whether you receive public holiday pay — and at what rate — depends on your award, employment type and whether the public holiday falls on a day you would ordinarily work. Casual employees generally do not receive paid public holidays as leave, though they may receive penalty rates if they work on the day. Always check your specific award.
Who Gets Public Holiday Pay?
- Full-time employees: Generally entitled to a paid day off on public holidays, or penalty rates if required to work.
- Part-time employees: Generally entitled to a paid day off if the public holiday falls on a day they would ordinarily work.
- Casual employees: Generally do not receive paid public holidays as leave, but may receive penalty rates if they work on the day.
Which Public Holidays Apply?
Public holidays vary by state and territory. National public holidays include New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Each state and territory may have additional or substitute public holidays. Check your state's public holiday schedule and your award at the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Use the full calculator to estimate public holiday pay with your specific rate:
Use the Overtime Calculator AustraliaPublic Holiday Pay FAQs
What is the public holiday pay rate in Australia?
The public holiday pay rate is often 250% (double time and a half) under many Modern Awards, but this varies by award, enterprise agreement, employment type and industry. Always check your specific award at the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Do all employees have to work on public holidays?
No. Under the National Employment Standards, most employees have the right to be absent from work on a public holiday. An employer can only request reasonable additional hours on a public holiday.
Do casual employees get paid for public holidays they don't work?
Generally, casual employees do not receive paid public holidays as leave. However, if they work on a public holiday, they may be entitled to penalty rates under their award or agreement.
Which public holidays apply in Australia?
Public holidays vary by state and territory. National public holidays include New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Each state and territory may have additional or substitute public holidays.
Last updated: May 2026