5:2 Roster Salary Calculator – Five On, Two Off Pay Breakdown

    The 5:2 roster — five days on, two days off — mirrors the traditional Monday-to-Friday work week but with 12-hour site shifts. Popular in manufacturing, processing, and administration roles, this predictable schedule gives you every weekend off and is the most family-friendly roster pattern available in the resources sector.

    What Is a 5:2 Roster?

    A 5:2 roster means you work five consecutive days followed by two days off, repeating weekly. That's approximately 261 working days per year with 12-hour shifts. While it doesn't carry the FIFO premium of longer-swing rosters, the 5:2 offers unmatched predictability and stability. Workers on this pattern benefit from regular routines, weekend social life, and consistent childcare arrangements. It's standard for site-based roles in manufacturing, processing plants, and mine administration.

    Industries That Use the 5:2 Roster

    Manufacturing
    Processing
    Administration

    Pros & Cons of the 5:2 Roster

    Advantages

    Weekends off
    Standard schedule
    Predictable
    Good for families

    Disadvantages

    Lower pay than swing rosters
    Not typical FIFO

    Working Days Per Year on a 5:2 Roster

    261

    Working days/year

    104

    Days off/year

    52.1

    Cycles per year

    Example Salary Estimates – 5:2 Roster

    Based on 12-hour shifts and 261 working days per year. Figures are gross annual income before tax, super, and allowances.

    Hourly Rate Est. Annual Gross Income
    $42/hr $131,544
    $49/hr $153,468
    $56/hr $175,392
    $62/hr $194,184

    * Estimates only. Actual pay may vary based on penalty rates, allowances, overtime, and employer agreements. Use the calculator below for a detailed breakdown including Australian tax rates.

    Calculate Your Exact 5:2 Roster Pay

    Get a detailed breakdown of your take-home pay including Australian tax, superannuation, allowances, and penalty rates.

    Who Is the 5:2 Roster Best For?

    • Site-based workers
    • Families
    • Predictable schedule