No Overtime for a 50-Hour Fast Food Week
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000003
If you worked 50 hours in a week at a fast food job and weren't paid overtime, you are being underpaid. The Fast Food Industry Award requires overtime rates for every hour over 38 per week.
The rule
Under the Fast Food Industry Award (MA000003), ordinary hours for a full-time employee are 38 per week. Any time worked beyond 38 hours is overtime. The first 2 hours of overtime each day are paid at 150% (time and a half). After that, the rate jumps to 200% (double time). Your employer cannot avoid paying overtime by calling it "extra shifts" or rostering you across multiple roles.
What you should be paid
Grade 1 full-time, 50-hour week (Mon–Fri, 10 hrs/day)
- 38 ordinary hours at $26.55/hr: $1008.90
- 10 hours overtime at 150%: $398.30
- 2 hours overtime at 200%: $106.20
- Correct total: $1513.40
At a flat $26.55/hr for all 50 hours, you'd receive $1327.50 — a shortfall of $185.90 per week.
What to check on your payslip
- Are hours beyond 38 per week shown at a higher rate?
- Is overtime itemised as 150% and 200% separately?
- Does your total pay reflect the overtime, not just a flat rate for all hours?
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Frequently asked questions
At what point does overtime start in fast food?
For full-time employees, overtime starts after 38 hours per week or after the agreed number of daily ordinary hours. For part-time employees, overtime applies to hours worked beyond their agreed hours. Any hours over 38 per week must be paid at overtime rates.
What is the overtime rate under the Fast Food Award?
The first 2 hours of overtime are paid at 150% (time and a half) of the ordinary hourly rate. After 2 hours of overtime, the rate increases to 200% (double time). These rates apply per day, not per week — so each day's overtime is calculated separately.
Can my employer ask me to work 50 hours without overtime pay?
No. If you're a full-time employee, any hours over 38 per week (or your agreed daily ordinary hours) must be paid at overtime rates. Your employer cannot ask you to work 50 hours at a flat rate. Even if you agreed to it verbally, the award entitlements cannot be contracted out of.
General information only — not legal advice. Verify details at fairwork.gov.au.