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New South Wales (NSW) Tool

NSW Penalty Rates Calculator

Calculate your exact shift pay for Saturdays, Sundays, and specific NSW public holidays.
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Base Rate
$0.00 / hr
Your Penalty Rate
$0.00 / hr
Total Shift Pay (Gross)
$0.00
Note for Casual Workers: Depending on your Modern Award, your penalty rate might be calculated on your base rate exclusive of casual loading, or it may be a combined specific percentage. Always verify your Award's pay guide.

How to calculate penalty rates for public holidays in NSW

If you live or work in Sydney or anywhere else in New South Wales, your public holidays are determined by the NSW State Government. This is crucial because working on a state-sanctioned public holiday entitles you to massive pay multipliers under the Fair Work system.

To calculate your penalty rates public holiday NSW earnings, you need to identify your industry award. For a vast majority of full-time and part-time workers in retail and hospitality, working a public holiday triggers a 250% (Double time and a half) multiplier. You can use our calculator above by simply entering your normal hourly rate and selecting the 250% option to find your exact shift total.

Key NSW Specific Public Holidays to Watch (2026)

If you work on these days in NSW, you are generally entitled to public holiday penalty rates:

  • Labour Day (NSW): Celebrated on the first Monday in October (unlike Victoria or WA).
  • King's Birthday: Celebrated on the second Monday in June.
  • Bank Holiday: Usually the first Monday in August. (Note: This typically only applies to employees covered by specific banking or financial awards).
  • Easter Sunday: Officially recognized as a public holiday under the NSW Public Holidays Act 2010.

Understanding penalty rates Saturday NSW vs. Sunday

Many workers get confused between standard weekend pay and public holiday pay. If it is a normal weekend, your multiplier is lower.

When searching for penalty rates saturday NSW, it's important to know that Saturday rates are typically the lowest penalty tier. For example, under the General Retail Industry Award, permanent employees generally get 125% for a Saturday, while Sunday jumps to 150%. Always check your specific contract or enterprise agreement, as some employers offer higher base rates to "buy out" weekend penalty rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalty rates for a public holiday in NSW?

For most full-time and part-time employees in NSW, the standard public holiday penalty rate is 250% (double time and a half) of their base hourly rate. Casuals may receive a different multiplier depending on their specific Award.

Is Bank Holiday a public holiday in NSW?

Yes, but it primarily applies to certain employees under specific awards, such as those in the banking and financial sectors. If you are covered, you are entitled to public holiday penalty rates on the NSW Bank Holiday (usually in August).

How much more do I get paid on a Saturday in NSW?

Saturday penalty rates in NSW generally range from 125% (time and a quarter) to 150% (time and a half) of your base pay. You must check your industry's Modern Award to find your exact percentage.