How is a detective salary calculated from an hourly rate?

Multiply the hourly rate by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks per year. For casual employees, add 25% loading. Super is 12% on top of ordinary earnings. For example, a $40/hour detective would have an annual base of $79,040, plus $9,484.80 super, totalling $88,524.80.

What award covers detectives?

Detectives are typically covered by state police awards or the Miscellaneous Award. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for the specific award that applies to your role and location.

Does the National Minimum Wage apply to detectives?

No, detectives are usually covered by an award with higher minimum rates. The National Minimum Wage of $26.44/hour (from 1 July 2026) is the floor for award/agreement-free employees only.

Detective Salary: Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay with Casual Loading and Super

For a detective salary, the annual estimate is hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks, with super paid on top and casual loading if applicable.

Understanding Detective Salary Calculations

When you're looking at a detective salary, the first step is converting an hourly rate into annual pay. Whether you're a detective constable, senior detective, or detective sergeant, the same basic formula applies: multiply your hourly rate by the hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. This article explains the process, including casual loading, superannuation, and how award rates affect your pay.

The Basic Formula: Hourly to Annual

The standard assumption for full-time work in Australia is 38 hours per week. To estimate your annual detective salary, use:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks

For example, if your detective salary is based on $45 per hour:

$45 × 38 = $1,710 per week
$1,710 × 52 = $88,920 per year

If you're paid fortnightly, multiply the weekly amount by 2: $1,710 × 2 = $3,420 per fortnight.

This formula assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a more precise estimate, use the timesheet on this site to enter your base hourly rate.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Many detectives work as permanent employees, but some may be engaged casually. Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements.

If you're casual, your detective salary calculation changes:

Base rate: $45/hour
Casual loading: 25% → $11.25
Casual rate: $56.25/hour
Annual casual estimate: $56.25 × 38 × 52 = $111,150

Superannuation (super) is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a permanent detective earning $88,920, super adds $10,670.40 per year. For a casual detective, super is calculated on the base rate (not including the loading), so $45/hour × 38 × 52 × 12% = $10,670.40 as well.

Remember: super is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. The super and packaging page explains more.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

Detectives are typically covered by an award – either a state police award or the Miscellaneous Award or a state-specific instrument. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates for each classification. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide easy-to-read summaries of these rates.

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Casual employees get 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. However, a detective salary is almost always above these minimums. Check the relevant award's pay guide to find your correct classification and rate.

For example, a detective constable may fall under a classification in the Police Award or similar. The Fair Work Commission's database shows the specific rates. If you're award-free, the National Minimum Wage applies.

Tax and Medicare

Once you have your annual gross detective salary, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax scale:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $22,000 plus 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,092 plus 45% of excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a detective salary of $88,920, tax would be approximately $16,017 plus Medicare $1,778.40, leaving around $71,124.60 after tax. Use the take-home pay tool for a more detailed estimate.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

The easiest way to calculate your detective salary is to use [the timesheet. Enter your base hourly rate and check the casual loading checkbox if you're casual. Never enter a rate that already includes loading – the calculator adds it on top. The result shows annual, fortnightly, monthly, and super on top.

This estimate is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. See the disclaimer on the site for full details.

For a quick reference to tax brackets and tax brackets, see the [reference tables.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're negotiating a detective salary or comparing job offers, understanding the hourly-to-annual conversion is essential. Remember to factor in casual loading if applicable, and always check the relevant award via Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides. Super is paid on top of your earnings. For the most accurate estimate, use the calculator on this site with your specific rate.