I Work 6 Days a Week in Hospitality — Do I Get Extra Pay?
Last updated: March 2026 · MA000009
Yes — in most cases. Working 6 days a week in hospitality almost certainly means you're working more than 38 ordinary hours, which triggers overtime under the Hospitality Award. The hours beyond 38 must be paid at overtime rates, not your ordinary rate.
If you work 6 days a week in any hospitality venue — this likely applies to you.
The rule
Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009), overtime applies when you work more than 38 ordinary hours in a week. For full-time workers, a standard week is 38 hours — so a 6-day week almost always pushes past that threshold.
The overtime rates are:
- First 2 hours of overtime: 1.5× your ordinary rate (time-and-a-half)
- After 2 hours: 2× your ordinary rate (double time)
These apply on top of any weekend penalty rates that also apply on your 6th day.
What you should be paid
Example: Your 6-day week totals 48 hours and your ordinary rate is $0.00/hr (Level 3 permanent):
- Hours 1–38: $0.00/hr
- Hours 39–40: $0.00/hr (time-and-a-half)
- Hours 41–48: $0.00/hr (double time)
Plus: if your 6th day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the applicable penalty rate applies to those hours instead of (or in addition to) the overtime rate — whichever is higher.
If your 6th day pay looks the same as your other days, Check your overtime entitlement →
What this costs you
A 6-day week typically means 8–10 hours of overtime. At Level 3 permanent, those hours attract time-and-a-half then double time. Working this pattern every week: the missed overtime typically adds up to $150–$250/week. Over a year: $7,500–$13,000.
What to check on your payslip
- Does overtime appear as a separate line for the hours beyond 38?
- Does Saturday or Sunday rate appear separately for your 6th day if it falls on a weekend?
- Is there a single flat rate for all hours regardless of how many you worked?
Frequently asked questions
What if I'm casual — do I get overtime for 6-day weeks?
The daily threshold (more than 10 hours in a day) applies to casuals. Weekly overtime in the same way as permanent employees generally doesn't apply to casual workers, but check your specific arrangement.
My employer says a 6-day week is just "how hospitality works" — is that right?
It's common — but the award applies regardless of industry norms. Every hour past 38 must be paid at overtime rates.
What if each individual shift is under 10 hours but the week adds up to over 38?
The weekly threshold still triggers. You don't need to exceed 10 hours in a single day for weekly overtime to apply.
Don't guess — enter your actual hours and shifts below. It takes 2 minutes — and you'll know for certain if you're owed extra pay.
Not sure if your Hospitality Award pay is right?
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General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.