Tax for casual workers
Updated 13 November 2026.
Casual employees are taxed the same way as permanent staff. Your employer withholds tax from each pay using the ATO's formulas, based on what you earned in that pay.
Why the tax changes from week to week
Busy weeks have more tax withheld, quiet weeks less, and short weeks may have none. It evens out when you lodge your tax return. At $32 an hour (including casual loading), claiming the tax-free threshold in 2026–27:
| Hours that week | Gross pay | Tax withheld | Take-home pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $320.00 | $0.00 | $320.00 |
| 20 hours | $640.00 | $52.00 | $588.00 |
| 30 hours | $960.00 | $125.00 | $835.00 |
| 38 hours | $1,216.00 | $208.00 | $1,008.00 |
Casual loading
Casuals usually get a loading (often 25% under modern awards) instead of paid leave. The loading is part of your pay and is taxed the same as the rest.
More than one casual job
Claim the tax-free threshold from the job that pays the most, and not from the others, unless your total income for the year will be under $18,200. Claiming it twice is the most common reason casuals get a tax bill.
Super for casuals
Since 1 July 2022 there's no minimum monthly earnings test: your employer must pay 12% super on your ordinary time earnings from your first dollar. Workers under 18 need to work more than 30 hours in a week to qualify. Under Payday Super, it must reach your fund within 7 business days of each payday.
Look up any rate on the hourly rates pages, or see tax on a second job.