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

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52. For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and super. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour yields $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year.

How do award rates differ from the National Minimum Wage?

Award rates are minimum pay rates set for specific industries and occupations, often higher than the National Minimum Wage. They include classifications, penalty rates, and allowances. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award. If your job is covered by an award, you must be paid at least the award rate, which may be above the $26.44 minimum.

Brian To'o Salary vs National Minimum Wage: Award Rates and Hourly Conversion

Q: What is casual loading and how does it affect pay?

Casual loading is an extra 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. When converting to annual salary, use the loaded rate if you are a casual employee. Superannuation is paid on the loaded rate as well.

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, equating to $52,254.80 annually before tax and super.

Understanding the National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

When discussing pay in Australia, two key benchmarks often come up: the National Minimum Wage and award rates. Even high-profile earners like NRL star Brian To'o salary – reported to be in the millions – highlight how far above the minimum the top end can be. For the vast majority of workers, however, the Fair Work Commission sets the floor. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. This is the base rate for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement.

Brian To'o Salary: A Benchmark for High Earnings

While Brian To'o salary is a matter of public record in NRL contracts, it serves as a reminder that many workers earn well above the minimum. However, the Fair Work Ombudsman emphasises that all employees must receive at least their minimum pay rate, whether that is the National Minimum Wage or a higher award rate. For most industries, an award applies, setting specific rates for classifications, penalties, and allowances.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

The standard formula to estimate annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, this becomes:

Hourly rate × 38 × 52

For example, at the National Minimum Wage: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year

If you are paid fortnightly, simply multiply your weekly pay by 2. For the minimum wage, that is $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80 per fortnight before tax.

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. It is a starting point for understanding your annual earnings. Use our hourly conversion tool to run your own numbers.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is:

$26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour

When converting to annual salary, use the loaded rate if you are casual. For example, a casual minimum wage earner working 38 hours per week would have an annual gross of: $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,318.80

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on the minimum wage, your employer would contribute an extra: $52,254.80 × 0.12 = $6,270.58 per year into your super fund.

For casuals, super is calculated on the loaded rate. Learn more about casual loading and how it affects your total remuneration.

Award Rates vs Minimum Wage

Award rates are set by the Fair Work Commission for specific industries and occupations. They often exceed the National Minimum Wage. For example, the Health Services Award and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award have recently seen changes. If your job is covered by an award, you must be paid at least the award rate for your classification.

To find your correct minimum pay, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator or check the relevant pay guide. The minimum wage page on this site summarises the current rates.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Once you have your annual gross, tax is deducted using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

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 Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a full-time minimum wage earner ($52,254.80), the estimated tax is approximately $6,517 plus Medicare of $1,045, leaving a take-home pay of around $44,693 per year. Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Summary

Whether you are comparing Brian To'o salary or your own hourly rate, understanding the conversion to annual pay is essential. The National Minimum Wage provides a baseline, but award rates, casual loading, and super all affect your total compensation. Always check your award or agreement to ensure you are receiving at least the minimum you are entitled to.