How do I convert an hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52. For a full-time employee on a 38-hour week, the formula is hourly × 38 × 52. For example, $30 per hour gives $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280 per year. This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime or penalty rates.

What is casual loading and how does it affect my pay?

Casual loading is an additional 25% on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave entitlements. For the Australia minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. When using the timesheet, you can check a box to add casual loading on top of the base rate you enter – never enter a rate that already includes loading.

Australia Minimum Wage and State Earnings: Understanding Ordinary-Time Differences

Q: Is superannuation included in my hourly rate or paid separately?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. For the 2026–27 year, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if you earn $52,254.80 at the minimum wage, your employer adds an extra $6,270.58 in super, not included in your hourly rate.

At the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, a 38-hour week yields $1,004.90 per week or $52,254.80 annually before tax, with super paid on top.

Understanding the Australia Minimum Wage and State Earnings

The Australia minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission and applies uniformly across all states and industries. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. While the minimum wage is a national floor, many employees earn above this through award rates or enterprise agreements. State differences in ordinary-time earnings are notable. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports full-time adult ordinary time earnings at a national average of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). This average includes all states, but state-specific figures vary – for example, earnings in New South Wales and Western Australia tend to be higher than in Tasmania or South Australia. The ABS publishes state-level averages, but precise figures are not reproduced here. This article explains how to convert hourly rates to annual pay, including tax, super, and casual loading, and how the Australia minimum wage compares to broader earnings.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula for annual gross pay is: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For full-time employees, we assume 38 hours per week, as this is the ordinary hours in the National Employment Standards. If you work a different pattern, adjust the hours accordingly. For example, a part‑time employee working 20 hours per week would use 20 instead of 38.

Using the Australia minimum wage: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year. A fortnightly gross pay would be $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80. This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

Ordinary-time earnings refer to base pay before overtime, bonuses, or other loadings. The ABS’s Average Weekly Earnings series shows that the national average for full-time adult ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week. However, this masks state differences. For instance, the Australia minimum wage is the same in every state, but average ordinary-time earnings in mining‑focused states like Western Australia often exceed the national average, while in states with larger service sectors they may be lower. Award rates also vary by industry and occupation, not by state. When you see a reference to an industry or state average, remember it is an average and not this job’s median. The average pay page provides more context on how these figures are used.

Tax, Medicare and Superannuation

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident tax scale. The tax‑free threshold is nil up to $18,200; then 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; and 45% above that. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a single person earning the minimum wage of $52,254.80, the estimated tax (using the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds, as 2026–26 reduction thresholds not confirmed) would be approximately $6,650 plus Medicare of $1,045. This is an estimate only.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For the minimum wage earner, super adds $6,270.58 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is paid by your employer on top.

Casual Loading and Award Rates

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on their base hourly rate. For the Australia minimum wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. Award rates may include additional allowances or penalty rates, but the loading is separate. When using the timesheet, you enter your base hourly rate and then check the box to add casual loading on top. Never enter a rate that already includes loading. Award rates are set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and can be higher than the minimum wage. For more details, see the casual loading guide.

Using the Timesheet for Your Own Calculations

The timesheet on this site lets you type your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. It then calculates your annual gross, fortnightly pay, estimated tax, Medicare, and super. Remember that this is an estimate. It does not account for unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, salary sacrifice, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Always check your specific employment arrangement with your employer or consult the Fair Work Ombudsman.

In summary, the Australia minimum wage provides a national floor, but state differences in ordinary-time earnings reflect local economic conditions. Use the formula and tools here to convert your hourly rate to annual pay, and remember that super is paid on top.