How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week (typically 38 for full-time) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $30 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $59,280 per year. This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime or penalties.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates?

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor for award/agreement-free employees. Award rates are higher minimums set for specific industries and occupations, covering things like penalties and allowances. Most employees are covered by an award, so their minimum pay is usually above the National Minimum Wage. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for your award.

Hourly to Annual Pay: National Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and the Average UK Salary in Context

Q: What is the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026?

The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply to award/agreement-free employees.

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, equating to $1004.90 per week or $52,254.80 per year before tax and super.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual Salary

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours per week, this gives the gross annual pay before tax and super. For example, if you earn $30 per hour, your annual salary is $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280.

This calculation assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. It is a standard benchmark used by the Fair Work Commission and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

If you are paid fortnightly, you can also find your fortnightly pay by multiplying your weekly pay by 2. For the example above, weekly pay is $1,140, so fortnightly pay is $2,280.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage is the legal minimum for employees not covered by an award or agreement. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour.

However, most Australian employees are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates for specific industries and jobs. For example, the Health Services Award and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award have their own pay rates that change from time to time. Award rates often include penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and shift work, as well as allowances for special conditions.

To find your correct minimum pay, check the pay guide for your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. You can also use our minimum wage page for a quick overview of the national floor.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. This loading applies to both the National Minimum Wage and award rates. When using our casual loading tool, you enter your base hourly rate (without loading) and check the box to add 25%.

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross earnings. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on a $60,000 salary, your employer contributes $7,200 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your annual gross salary is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, 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

Plus a 2% Medicare levy (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). Use our take-home pay calculator to estimate your net pay after tax and Medicare.

A Note on the Average UK Salary

While the average UK salary is often cited in global comparisons, it is calculated differently from Australian measures. The UK uses median and mean figures from HMRC and ONS, typically for full-time employees. In Australia, the ABS reports Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) as $2,083.70 per week for full-time adult ordinary time, and $1,579.20 for all employees (including part-time). These figures include bonuses and overtime but are not directly comparable to the UK's methodology. This guide focuses on Australian minimum and award rates, which are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. For a broader view of Australian earnings, see our average pay page.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. It calculates weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, plus estimated super and tax. Remember that the results are estimates only—your actual pay may differ due to penalties, allowances, or enterprise agreements.

Always check your award or agreement for the correct minimum rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award, and the Fair Work Commission publishes the National Minimum Wage Order annually.