You’ve got the job, done the training, survived your first shift—and then your first payslip arrives. It’s full of codes, acronyms, and numbers you don’t quite understand. Sound familiar?
Whether you’re working casually at a café, part-time at your local surf club, or picking up shifts as a paid lifeguard, knowing how to read your payslip—and understanding your rights as a worker—is key to making sure you’re being paid correctly and treated fairly.
Let’s break it down.
Casual vs Part-Time: What’s the difference?
If you’re in your first few jobs, you’ve probably come across these terms. They sound similar, but the rights and pay structures are quite different.
Casual
- You’re paid only for the hours you work.
- You don’t get paid sick leave, annual leave, or public holiday entitlements.
- To make up for this, you should receive a casual loading (usually 15–25%) on top of the base hourly rate.
- Your hours might change week to week, and your employer doesn’t have to guarantee regular shifts.
Part-Time
- You have a regular roster and guaranteed hours each week.
- You receive paid sick leave, annual leave, and public holiday entitlements.
- Your hourly rate might be lower than casuals, but the leave entitlements balance it out.
So, which is better? It depends. Casual work is great for flexibility (especially if you’re juggling uni or patrol commitments), but part-time gives more job security and benefits.
How to read your payslip
Every time you’re paid, your employer must give you a payslip—either on paper or electronically—within one working day. Here’s what it should include:
- Your name and employer’s name/ABN
- Pay period (the dates you’re being paid for)
- Hours worked and your hourly rate
- Gross pay (before tax) and net pay (what hits your bank account)
- Deductions (like tax or student loan repayments)
- Superannuation contributions
- Loading or penalty rates (for weekends, late nights, or public holidays)
Look out for things like:
- Casual loading (if you’re a casual employee)
- Penalty rates if you worked outside regular hours (e.g. a Sunday patrol or public holiday shift)
- Accrued leave balances if you’re part-time
Still confused? Ask your payroll officer, manager, or even a club committee member for help—better to ask than miss something important.
Your rights at work (yes, you have them)
In Australia, workplace rights are protected by the Fair Work Act. No matter your age or experience, you have the right to:
- Be paid at or above the minimum wage for your role and age
- Receive payslips on time
- Work in a safe and respectful environment
- Take breaks (usually 30 minutes after five hours, but it varies)
- Raise concerns without being punished
If you’re unsure what you should be getting paid, check your award wage at www.fairwork.gov.au.
If something doesn’t feel right—your hours don’t match your payslip, you haven’t received super, or your loading isn’t applied—you can:
- Raise it directly with your employer or supervisor
- Talk to your club
- Contact Fair Work Australia for free advice and support
Surf lifesaving and paid work: know the difference
Many surf club roles are voluntary, but some positions—such as lifeguards, development officers, and admin support—may be paid. If you’re in a paid position within Surf Life Saving Queensland, you’re entitled to all the same protections as any other worker.
For example:
- Lifeguards rostered over public holidays are entitled to penalty rates.
- Administrative staff working part-time may accrue annual leave.
- Paid instructors delivering training or first aid courses must receive payslips and super contributions.
Not sure if your club work is paid or volunteer? Ask. And keep records of any paid hours, rosters, and agreements.
Final thoughts
Understanding your payslip isn’t just about checking how much money hit your account. It’s about making sure you’re being paid fairly, getting what you’re entitled to, and building confidence in managing your working life.
You work hard—on and off the beach—so make sure your pay reflects that. Whether you’re a casual worker pulling shifts between patrols or working part-time while finishing school, knowing your rights puts you in control.