Shift Work Pay Calculator
Calculate your total earnings for working shifts outside of standard daytime hours, including shift loadings and allowances.
Quick Use Samples
Pay Rates
Usually 6pm - 10pm
Usually 10pm - 6am
Shifts
Pay Summary
Breakdown
Shift Distribution
Your total pay for 7.5 hours across 1 shifts is $187.50. This is calculated from your base rate of $25.00 plus any applicable shift loadings. Your effective average hourly rate for this period is $25.00.
Earnings Breakdown
Pay by Shift Type
Highest Earning Shift
Your most profitable shift was on **2025-11-18**, earning **$187.50**.
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What is Shift Work Pay?
Shift work pay is the total earnings an employee receives for working a roster that includes shifts outside of standard daytime hours. In Australia, this pay is typically comprised of a base hourly rate plus additional payments known as 'shift loadings' or 'shift allowances' to compensate for working unsociable hours like afternoons, nights, or rotating rosters.
Behind the Formula
The calculator determines your total pay for a shift by applying the relevant loading to your base hourly rate. The loading is a percentage set by your Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement. For example, an afternoon shift might attract a 15% loading, while a permanent night shift could attract a 30% loading. The calculator multiplies your base rate by the loading percentage for the hours worked on each specific shift to calculate your gross pay.
Expert Insights
- The definitions of 'afternoon shift' and 'night shift' are specified in your award. For example, a shift might need to finish after 7 pm to qualify for an afternoon loading.
- Shift loadings are separate from penalty rates. If your shift falls on a weekend or a public holiday, you are generally entitled to the weekend/public holiday penalty rate *instead of* the shift loading, as it is the higher of the two.
- Working permanent night shifts can have long-term health implications. While the 30% loading is a financial incentive, it's important to weigh it against the potential impact on your well-being and sleep patterns.
Actionable Tips
- Familiarise yourself with the shift work provisions in your specific Modern Award. The loading percentages and conditions can vary significantly between industries.
- Check your payslip carefully to ensure that the hours for each type of shift (day, afternoon, night) are recorded and paid with the correct loading.
- If you work a rotating roster, your pay can fluctuate from one pay period to the next depending on the mix of shifts you worked. Use the calculator to forecast your pay and manage your budget accordingly.
Real-World Examples
A Factory Worker on Afternoon Shift
A factory worker with a base rate of $25/hour works an afternoon shift that entitles them to a 15% loading. Their hourly rate for that shift becomes $28.75.
A Security Guard on Permanent Night Shift
A security guard who exclusively works night shifts is paid a 30% loading. If their base rate is $28/hour, their loaded rate is $36.40/hour.
A Miner on a Rotating Roster
A miner works a rotating roster of day, night, and afternoon shifts. Their paycheque varies each fortnight based on the number of loaded shifts they worked in that period. The calculator helps them verify that their complex pay has been calculated correctly.
Glossary of Terms
Shift Loading/Allowance
An extra payment made to an employee to compensate them for working shifts outside of standard daytime hours.
Rotating Roster
A work schedule where employees cycle through a variety of shifts, for example, a week of day shifts followed by a week of night shifts.
Modern Award
A legal document in Australia that sets out the minimum pay rates and conditions, including shift loadings, for a specific industry or occupation.