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Casual Loading Calculator

See what the 25% casual loading adds to an hourly rate, and how casual and permanent pay actually compare.

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25% is the standard modern-award loading
Casual hourly rate
 
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What is the casual loading in Australia?

It is an extra percentage on top of the permanent equivalent hourly rate, standard at 25% under most modern awards and the National Minimum Wage. It is paid in place of entitlements such as paid leave and notice.

Where Compono fits

The casual-versus-permanent question is really a workforce-shape question: which roles you want flexible, and which you want to hold and grow. That is a decision about fit and capability, not just rates. Compono helps you see which roles carry your culture and which suit a flexible model, so the mix is a choice you can defend rather than a default. Compono holds 4.8 out of 5 on Capterra and is used by government departments and mid-market employers across Australia and New Zealand.

See how it works

How it's calculated

The loaded casual rate is the permanent equivalent hourly rate plus the casual loading, which is 25% under most modern awards and the National Minimum Wage. The annual figures multiply each rate by the hours per week across 52 weeks. The gap is real money, but it is not free money: the loading compensates a casual for not receiving paid annual leave, paid personal leave, notice of termination and redundancy pay. Eligible casuals can also request to convert to permanent employment under the casual conversion rules. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Common questions

Why do casuals get paid more per hour?

Because they give up paid annual leave, paid personal leave, notice of termination and redundancy pay. The loading is compensation for the absence of those entitlements, not a bonus on top of them.

Is casual actually better paid than permanent?

On the hourly rate, yes. Over a full year the comparison is closer once you value paid leave, sick days and job security. This calculator shows the hourly and annual gap so you can weigh both sides.

Can a casual become permanent?

Eligible casual employees can request to convert to permanent employment under the casual conversion provisions. The rules depend on business size and the pattern of work, so check the current requirements. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Figures are estimates using published benchmarks. Sources shown above; rates reviewed annually.