Part-time workers in Australia have the same super entitlements as full-time workers — with one important exception. The number of hours you work does not determine whether you are entitled to super. What matters is your age and how much you are paid.
Key Rule: There Is No Minimum Hours Threshold for Most Workers
Since 1 January 2020 (following reforms), there is no minimum hours of work requirement for most workers to receive the Super Guarantee. Previously, workers earning less than $450 per month were excluded — but this threshold was abolished from 1 July 2022.
Current rule (FY2024–25):
- If you are an employee aged 18 or over, your employer must pay 11.5% SG regardless of how many hours you work
- If you are under 18, you must work more than 30 hours per week to attract SG
How Super Is Calculated for Part-Time Workers
SG is calculated as a percentage of ordinary time earnings (OTE) — not a fixed dollar amount. Part-time workers earn less per pay period (fewer hours), so they receive proportionally lower SG contributions. This is correct and expected.
Example:
| Worker | Hours per week | Weekly wage (OTE) | SG at 11.5% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 38 | $1,500 | $172.50 |
| Part-time | 20 | $789.50 | $90.79 |
| Casual (ordinary hours) | 10 | $450 | $51.75 |
Casual Employees
Casual employees are entitled to the SG in the same way as part-time permanent employees. The casual loading (the extra percentage paid to casuals in lieu of leave entitlements) is included in OTE and attracts super.
Example: A casual worker earning $30/hr with a 25% casual loading receives $37.50/hr. Super (11.5%) is payable on the full $37.50, not just the $30 base rate.
Common Super Issues for Part-Time Workers
Underpayment through incorrect OTE
Some employers incorrectly exclude the casual loading from the SG calculation. The loading on ordinary hours is OTE and must be included.
Missing contributions during school holidays
Some part-time workers (e.g., school support staff) are paid during term time only but receive a reduced annual salary averaged across 52 weeks. Super must be calculated based on the actual OTE for each pay period, not averaged over periods of non-payment.
Multiple part-time employers
Workers with multiple part-time jobs receive SG from each employer separately. There is no aggregation. The Maximum Super Contribution Base (MSCB) of $65,070/quarter applies per employer.
Under 18 Exception
Under-18 employees must work more than 30 hours in a week for the employer to owe SG for that week. If they work 30 or fewer hours, no SG is required — though the employer may choose to pay it voluntarily.
What to Do If You Think You’re Not Receiving Super
- Check your payslips — SG should appear as a separate line item
- Log into your super fund and verify contributions are arriving regularly (each payday from July 2026 onwards; currently quarterly)
- Use myGov to see contributions reported by your employer to the ATO
- Contact your employer if contributions are missing
- Report to the ATO at ato.gov.au if the issue is not resolved — the ATO can investigate and pursue recovery
From July 2026: Payday Super
From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super each payday (not quarterly). This will particularly benefit part-time and casual workers whose quarterly super timing was difficult to track. See Payday Super 2026 for more.
For more: Super Guarantee Rate Schedule, Super Guarantee Exemptions, Ordinary Time Earnings, Payday Super 2026. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.