Financial year 2026-27
Casual loading calculator
Casual loading adds a percentage to your base hourly rate. In this example, a $30.00 base rate with 25% loading becomes $37.50 an hour, or $1,425.00 for 38 ordinary hours before tax. Enter the loading that applies to your award or agreement.
Your estimate
| Hourly rate including loading | $37.50 |
|---|---|
| Loading per hour | $7.50 |
| Base pay for these hours | $1,140.00 |
| Total loading | $285.00 |
| Total gross pay | $1,425.00 |
Financial year 2026-27. See the assumptions below.
How to calculate it
- Multiply the base hourly rate by the loading percentage to find the extra amount per hour.
- Add that loading to the base rate, rounding the hourly amount to cents. Multiply the loaded rate by the entered ordinary hours.
- Check overtime, allowances and penalty rates separately. An award may apply loading to a different earnings base or combine it with penalties differently.
Frequently asked questions
Is casual loading always 25%?
The 25% default is sourced from the national minimum wage arrangements. Your award or agreement determines your entitlement, so the percentage is editable.
Should I add loading to an advertised casual rate?
Check whether the quoted hourly rate already includes loading. Adding it again would overstate pay. Use the base rate excluding loading in this calculator.
Does loading replace overtime or weekend penalties?
Not automatically. Awards differ in how loading and penalty rates combine. Check the applicable instrument or the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool rather than applying a universal multiplier.
Is this take-home pay?
No. These are gross ordinary-time pay amounts before income tax and other deductions. Use the pay calculator for withholding and the overtime calculator for additional hours.
How this is worked out
- The example rate and 38-hour pattern are illustrative inputs, not a claim about your minimum lawful rate or guaranteed hours.
- Only ordinary hours and a percentage loading are included. This does not determine award classification, junior rates, allowances, minimum engagements or paid leave entitlements.
- Hourly loading is rounded to cents before weekly pay is calculated. A payroll system using different intermediate precision can differ by a few cents.
Estimate only, not financial or tax advice. Read the methodology and editorial policy.