Quick Answer
Sunday penalty rates in Australia commonly range from 150% to 200% of the ordinary hourly rate, depending on the award and industry. A $30/hr employee on a 150% Sunday rate earns an estimated $45/hr. Sunday rates are generally higher than Saturday rates, but the exact amount depends on the applicable Modern Award or enterprise agreement — always check your award.
Quick Estimate — Sunday Penalty Rate
General estimate only. Sunday penalty rates vary by award — check your applicable award for the correct rate.
What Are Sunday Penalty Rates?
Sunday penalty rates are higher pay rates that may apply when employees work on a Sunday. In Australia, Sunday rates are generally higher than Saturday rates, reflecting the traditional status of Sunday as a rest day. The exact rate depends on the Modern Award, enterprise agreement, employment type and classification.
Formula
Sunday pay estimate = Ordinary hourly rate × Sunday penalty multiplier
Example: Ordinary rate × 1.5 (for a 150% Sunday rate)
Worked Example
If your ordinary rate is $30.00 and the Sunday penalty rate under your award is 150%:
$30.00 × 1.5 = $45.00 per hour
If your award specifies a Sunday rate of 200% (double time):
$30.00 × 2.0 = $60.00 per hour
Common Mistake
Using outdated Sunday rates. The Fair Work Commission has reviewed Sunday penalty rates in several industries — particularly retail and hospitality — in recent years. Rates that applied several years ago may no longer be correct. Always check the current rate for your specific award at the Fair Work Ombudsman rather than relying on older figures.
Are Sunday Rates Higher Than Saturday Rates?
Generally, yes — Sunday penalty rates are often higher than Saturday rates under most Modern Awards. However, this is not universal. Some awards and agreements may have the same rate for both Saturday and Sunday, and some have reduced Sunday rates following Fair Work Commission reviews in recent years.
Sunday Rates by Industry (General Estimates Only)
- Retail: Often 150% following recent Fair Work Commission changes
- Hospitality: Often 150–175% depending on the award and classification
- Healthcare: Often 175–200% on Sunday
- Construction: Often 200% (double time) on Sunday
These are general estimates only. Always verify with your specific award at the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Use the full calculator to estimate Sunday penalty pay with your specific rate:
Use the Overtime Calculator AustraliaSunday Penalty Rates FAQs
What are Sunday penalty rates in Australia?
Sunday penalty rates are higher pay rates that may apply when employees work on a Sunday. Common Sunday rates range from 150% to 200% of the ordinary rate, but the exact rate depends on the applicable Modern Award, enterprise agreement, employment type and classification.
Are Sunday rates higher than Saturday rates?
Generally yes, Sunday rates tend to be higher than Saturday rates under most Modern Awards. However, some awards have the same rate for both days, and some have reduced Sunday rates following Fair Work Commission reviews. Always check your specific award.
Have Sunday penalty rates changed recently?
The Fair Work Commission has reviewed Sunday penalty rates in several industries in recent years, resulting in changes to retail and hospitality awards in particular. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman for the current rates applicable to your industry.
Do casual employees get Sunday penalty rates?
Casual employees may receive Sunday penalty rates under their award or agreement. These are generally applied on top of the casual loaded rate, but the exact method depends on the applicable award.
Last updated: May 2026