Is My Retail Sunday Rate Correct?
Last updated: April 2026 · Rates effective 1 July 2025 · MA000004
Sunday penalty rates in retail are 200% of the ordinary base rate for both permanent and casual employees. That means your Sunday hourly rate should be roughly double your Monday-to-Friday rate. If your pay looks the same on Sundays as it does the rest of the week, you are being underpaid.
A casual retail worker earning $33.19/hr on weekdays should be earning significantly more on Sundays. If you're not — check it now.
See the full Retail Award penalty rates breakdown.
Real example
Scenario: Casual Level 1 retail worker doing 6-hour Sunday shifts every week. Paid the same flat casual rate as weekday shifts.
What they were paid: ~$33.19/hr × 6 hours = ~$199.14
What they should have been paid: Sunday casual rate (200%) × 6 hours = significantly more
Underpayment: $80+ per Sunday shift. Over a year of Sundays, that's $4,000+.
Trigger moment: You check your payslip and the hourly rate is the same on Sunday as it is on Wednesday. That's the sign.
The rule
Under the General Retail Industry Award (MA000004), Sunday work attracts a 200% penalty rate for all employees — permanent full-time, part-time, and casual. This is calculated as a percentage of the ordinary hourly rate (or the casual rate for casuals). The penalty is automatic and applies to every hour worked on a Sunday.
What to do
- Check your payslip. Look for a separate Sunday rate or penalty line item. If it's not there, your Sunday rate is wrong.
- Calculate the difference. Use the tool below to see exactly what your Sunday pay should be.
- Raise it with your employer or call Fair Work on 13 13 94.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Sunday rate different for casuals vs permanent employees in retail?
Yes. Permanent full-time and part-time retail employees receive 200% of the ordinary rate on Sundays. Casual employees also receive 200% of the ordinary rate (which already includes the casual loading). Both are significantly higher than weekday rates.
My employer says Sunday rates were reduced — is that true?
Sunday penalty rates for retail were reduced over several years from 2017 to 2020 under transitional arrangements. Since 1 July 2020, the permanent Sunday rate in retail has been 200% and the casual Sunday rate has also been 200%. These are now the settled rates.
I only work Sundays — can my employer pay me a flat rate?
No. Even if you only work Sundays, you must be paid the Sunday penalty rate. A flat rate that falls below the Sunday award rate is an underpayment, regardless of what your contract says.
Not sure if your Sunday rate is right? Enter your shifts and find out in 2 minutes.
Based on official pay rates from the Fair Work Commission (MA000004).
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
Rates sourced from the Fair Work Commission pay guide for the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004), effective 1 July 2025. General information only — not legal advice. Verify at fairwork.gov.au.