My Retail Sunday Pay Looks Wrong
Last updated: April 2026 · MA000004
Sunday work in retail pays 200% of the ordinary base rate for all employees — permanent and casual. If your Sunday pay looks the same as your weekday pay, you are being underpaid. This is the single most common underpayment in Australian retail.
A 6-hour Sunday shift at the wrong rate can cost you $80+ every single week.
The rule
Under the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004), all hours worked on a Sunday attract a 200% penalty rate. This applies to full-time, part-time, and casual employees. For casuals, the 200% is calculated on the ordinary base rate (the casual loading is not added on top).
What this looks like in practice
Level 1 casual retail worker, 6-hour Sunday shift:
- Weekday casual rate: ~$33.19/hr
- Sunday rate (200% of base): ~$46.47/hr
- Correct Sunday pay: ~$278.82 for 6 hours
- If paid weekday rate: ~$199.14 for 6 hours
Shortfall: ~$79.68 on a single 6-hour shift.
What to check on your payslip
- Is there a separate line for Sunday hours at a higher rate?
- Is the Sunday rate roughly double your weekday rate?
- Are Saturday and Sunday rates different from each other?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Sunday rate the same for casuals and permanents in retail?
Both receive 200% of the ordinary base rate on Sundays. For casuals, this is calculated on the ordinary (non-casual-loaded) base rate at 200%, which means the casual loading is effectively absorbed into the penalty. The result is the same multiplier for both employment types.
My employer pays me a "weekend rate" — is that enough for Sundays?
Not necessarily. Saturday and Sunday rates under the Retail Award are different. Saturday is 125% for permanent employees and 150% for casuals, while Sunday is 200% for all. A blended "weekend rate" almost always underpays Sundays.
I only work Sundays — can I be paid less because of that?
No. The Sunday penalty rate applies to every hour worked on a Sunday, regardless of whether you also work other days. Your employer cannot reduce your Sunday rate because you are a Sunday-only worker.
Check your Sunday rate matches the award — it takes 2 minutes.
Not sure if your Retail Award pay is right?
Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes. Free, instant, based on official Fair Work rates.
Check my pay nowNo sign-up required
General information only. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.