Penalty Rates · MA000027

Health Professionals Award Weekend Penalty Rates

1 Jul 2026 Updated 1 Jul 2026 By Fitz HR 5 min read Reviewed against FWO Pay Guide MA000027

Weekend and after-hours work is common in private health. This guide sets out the exact Health Professionals Award MA000027 penalty rates for 2026 and how the shift loading and overtime fit around them.

Under MA000027, Saturday and Sunday are both 150% (175% casual) and public holidays 250% (275% casual). Casual percentages already include the 25% loading. A 15% shift loading applies to defined Monday–Friday shifts, and overtime is 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% after.

Rates current as at 2026-07-01 (Annual Wage Review), sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000027. Next review 2027-07-01.

Health Penalty Rates 2026

Saturday: 150% (FT/PT) · 175% (casual)
Sunday: 150% (FT/PT) · 175% (casual)
Public holiday: 250% (FT/PT) · 275% (casual)
Shift loading (Mon–Fri): +15%
Overtime: 150% (first 2 hrs) then 200%

The Penalty Rate Table

Percentages are of the minimum hourly rate; casual rates are all-inclusive of the 25% loading.

When workedFull-time / part-timeCasual (all-inclusive)
Saturday150%175%
Sunday150%175%
Public holiday250%275%

Worked Examples

For a Support Services Level 1 employee on $26.97/hr:

Note that Saturday and Sunday are the same rate under MA000027 — unlike many awards where Sunday is higher.

Shift Loading & Overtime

A 15% shift loading applies to defined Monday–Friday shifts (for example, shifts finishing late). Overtime is 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% after. The shift loading is not paid on top of a weekend penalty or overtime for the same hour — the higher single entitlement applies.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits

Assuming Sunday is higher than Saturday. Under MA000027 they are the same (150%/175%).
Paying Sunday rates on public holidays. Public holidays are 250%/275%.
Stacking the shift loading on penalties or overtime. The higher single entitlement applies, not both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sunday rate under the Health Professionals Award?
150% for full-time and part-time, and 175% for casuals — the same as Saturday under MA000027.
What is the public holiday rate under MA000027?
250% for full-time and part-time, and 275% for casuals.
Is there a shift loading under the Health Professionals Award?
Yes — 15% on defined Monday–Friday shifts. It is not paid on top of a weekend penalty or overtime for the same hour.
What are the overtime rates under MA000027?
150% for the first 2 hours and 200% after.

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Health Professionals Award Weekend Penalty Rates — FAQ

What is the Sunday rate under the Health Professionals Award? 150% for full-time and part-time, and 175% for casuals — the same as Saturday under MA000027.

What is the public holiday rate under MA000027? 250% for full-time and part-time, and 275% for casuals.

Is there a shift loading under the Health Professionals Award? Yes — 15% on defined Monday–Friday shifts. It is not paid on top of a weekend penalty or overtime for the same hour.

What are the overtime rates under MA000027? 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% after.