How do I convert an APS5 salary to an hourly rate?

Divide the annual APS5 salary by 52 to get the weekly amount, then divide by the standard full-time hours (usually 38). For example, an $85,000 APS5 salary gives a weekly pay of about $1,634.62 and an hourly rate of about $43.02. Use our calculator to do this instantly.

Does the National Minimum Wage apply to APS5 employees?

No. APS5 employees are covered by the relevant enterprise agreement, not the National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage (from 1 July 2026: $26.44 per hour) sets the floor for award/agreement-free employees. Your APS5 rate will be higher and set by your agency’s agreement.

How is casual loading calculated on top of a base hourly rate?

Casual loading is an extra 25% on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if your base rate is $30.00 per hour, the casual rate is $37.50 per hour. Our calculator has a checkbox to add this loading automatically – never enter a rate that already includes it.

How to Convert an APS5 Salary to Hourly Pay and Understand Your Take-Home Pay

An APS5 salary is typically an annual figure under an enterprise agreement; to find the hourly rate, divide by 52 and then by 38 hours per week.

Understanding your annual pay from an hourly rate

When you know your hourly rate, converting it to an annual figure is straightforward: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For full-time employees, we assume 38 hours per week – the standard ordinary hours in most awards and the National Minimum Wage order. This gives you a gross annual salary before tax, super, and other deductions.

Our calculator on the timesheet does this conversion for you. You enter your base hourly rate, and if you’re a casual employee, tick the box to add 25% casual loading. The calculator then shows your annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly pay, along with estimated tax and super.

The National Minimum Wage and award rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. This is the minimum for award/agreement-free employees. Most employees, however, are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that list minimum pay rates for each award, including penalty rates and allowances.

If you’re an APS employee, your salary is determined by the relevant enterprise agreement, not the National Minimum Wage. The APS5 salary is a common classification – it’s an annual figure that you can convert to an hourly rate using the same formula. For example, an APS5 salary of $85,000 per year equates to roughly $43.02 per hour (assuming 38 hours per week). Always check your specific agreement for exact rates and conditions.

Casual loading and superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. The Fair Work Commission’s National Minimum Wage order confirms this loading. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. Our calculator lets you add this loading with a checkbox – do not enter a rate that already includes it.

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross earnings. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, if your annual salary is $85,000, your employer must contribute an additional $10,200 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it’s an extra benefit.

Tax and Medicare

Your take-home pay depends on your tax bracket and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

The Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. Our calculator uses these rates to estimate your annual and fortnightly take-home pay. Fortnightly pay is simply your weekly pay multiplied by two – useful for budgeting if you’re paid that way.

Using the calculator for an APS5 salary

If you have an APS5 salary offer or want to check your current rate, enter the annual figure into our calculator to see the hourly equivalent. Alternatively, if you know your hourly rate, enter that to see the annual total. The calculator also shows your estimated tax and super, helping you compare different offers or understand your payslip.

Remember that the calculator assumes a consistent 38-hour week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Your actual pay may differ if you work irregular hours or receive additional payments. For precise award or agreement conditions, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides or your enterprise agreement.

Fortnightly and monthly breakdowns

Many Australian employees are paid fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by two. For example, a $43.02 per hour rate at 38 hours per week gives $1,634.76 per week, or $3,269.52 per fortnight. After tax and Medicare, your fortnightly take-home will be lower – our calculator shows this automatically.

Important notes

This calculator provides estimates only. It does not account for HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary packaging, or deductions. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. Always consult a qualified professional for personal financial advice.

For more information on minimum wages, visit our minimum wage page. To see how your pay compares with averages, check average pay.