Public Holiday Pay Calculator
$
Time and a half (1.5x)
Double time (2.0x)
Double time and a half (2.5x)
Custom Rate
Total Holiday Pay
$0.00
Standard Pay Amount
$0.00
Extra Bonus Earned
$0.00
Effective Hourly Rate
$0.00 / hr
Understanding Public Holiday Penalty Rates
Working on a designated public holiday often entitles employees to a higher rate of pay, commonly known as "penalty rates" or "holiday pay." This additional compensation is designed to reward employees for working during times typically reserved for rest, family, and cultural observance.
This Public Holiday Rate Calculator helps you estimate exactly how much you will earn for a shift worked on a holiday based on your standard hourly wage and the applicable penalty multiplier.
How Holiday Pay is Calculated
The calculation for public holiday pay is generally straightforward. It involves multiplying your base hourly rate by a specific multiplier determined by your employment contract, industry award, or local labor laws.
The basic formula is:
Total Pay = Base Hourly Rate × Hours Worked × Penalty Multiplier
Common Penalty Rate Multipliers
Depending on where you live and your specific employment agreement, the multiplier can vary significantly. Here are the most common rates:
- Time and a half (1.5x): You earn your base rate plus an additional 50%. For every hour worked, you are paid for 1.5 hours.
- Double time (2.0x): You earn twice your base rate. For every hour worked, you get paid for 2 hours. This is common for major holidays like Christmas Day or New Year's Day in many jurisdictions.
- Double time and a half (2.5x): A lucrative rate often reserved for specific high-priority holidays in strict labor markets (e.g., Australia).
Example Calculation
Let's say Jane is a nurse with a base hourly rate of $40.00. She is rostered to work an 8-hour shift on a public holiday where the penalty rate is Double time (2.0x).
- Standard Pay: $40.00 × 8 hours = $320.00
- Holiday Multiplier: 2.0
- Holiday Pay Rate: $40.00 × 2.0 = $80.00 per hour
- Total Holiday Pay: $80.00 × 8 hours = $640.00
In this scenario, Jane earns an extra $320.00 just for working on the public holiday compared to a normal day.
Factors That May Affect Your Rate
While this calculator provides a standard estimate, always check your specific contract for nuances such as:
- Minimum Engagement Periods: Some awards require you be paid for a minimum of 3 or 4 hours, even if you only work 1 hour.
- Shift Loading: If you are a casual employee, your casual loading might be calculated differently on holidays.
- Days in Lieu: Some salaried employees may receive a paid day off in the future instead of extra cash pay.