Casual Loading Calculator
Calculate your casual loading, the extra amount paid to casual employees on top of their base hourly rate to compensate for lack of permanent benefits.
Quick Use Samples
Comparison Inputs
Permanent Role Entitlements
Casual vs. Permanent
The standard 20 days of annual leave and 10 days of sick leave for a permanent employee are worth approximately 13.0% of your base pay. The 25% casual loading more than covers this, providing an extra $3.59 per hour on top. You are better off financially as a casual in this scenario.
Hourly Rate Comparison
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What is Casual Loading?
In Australia, casual loading is an extra amount paid to casual employees on top of their base hourly rate. It is paid to compensate them for not having the benefits of permanent employment, such as paid sick leave, annual leave, and public holidays. The national standard for casual loading is 25%.
Behind the Formula
The calculation is straightforward: the base hourly rate for a permanent employee is multiplied by the casual loading rate (typically 25%, or 1.25). For example, if the permanent hourly rate is $24, the casual hourly rate would be $24 * 1.25 = $30. The calculator determines your casual rate and then applies it to the number of hours you work to find your gross pay.
Expert Insights
- While a 25% loading seems high, it often doesn't fully compensate for the lack of job security and paid leave, especially over the long term. A permanent role offers stability that can be more valuable than the higher hourly rate.
- Under the National Employment Standards, some long-term casuals who work regular patterns have the right to request conversion to permanent employment after 12 months. Employers can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.
- Superannuation must be paid on your casual earnings, including the loading. Always check your super fund to ensure your employer is paying the correct amount.
Actionable Tips
- Use your higher casual income to build a financial buffer. Since you don't have paid sick leave, aim to have an emergency fund that can cover your expenses for at least 3-6 months if you're unable to work.
- Check your industry's Modern Award. Some awards specify a casual loading higher than 25% or have different rules for weekend and overtime work for casuals.
- Keep detailed records of your hours worked. This is crucial for ensuring you are paid correctly and can be used as evidence if you apply for casual conversion.
Real-World Examples
A University Student Working in Hospitality
Jasmine works 15 hours a week at a cafe. The permanent rate is $23.23 per hour. With a 25% loading, her casual rate is $29.04, earning her $435.60 per week before tax.
A Tradesperson on a Short-Term Project
Dave is a carpenter hired casually for a 3-month construction project. He's paid a high hourly rate with casual loading, which is ideal for a defined period without the need for long-term benefits like annual leave.
Comparing Casual vs. Permanent Offers
A retail store offers Sarah a casual role at $30/hour or a permanent part-time role at $24/hour. While the casual rate is higher, the permanent role includes paid leave and guaranteed hours, offering more security. The calculator helps her compare the annual take-home pay for both options.
Glossary of Terms
Modern Award
A legal document in Australia that sets out the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment for a specific industry or occupation.
National Employment Standards (NES)
A set of 11 minimum standards of employment that apply to all national system employees in Australia.
Casual Conversion
The process by which a casual employee can become a permanent (full-time or part-time) employee.