What is the National Minimum Wage in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.9 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees get 25% loading, so $33.05 per hour. Award rates may be higher. Use our [minimum wage](/topics/minimum-wage) guide for your industry.

Does Salary Include Super? A Guide to Annual Pay, Casual Loading and Superannuation

Q: Does salary include super in Australia?

Generally no. In Australia, a salary or annualised wage usually covers minimum pay rates, penalties, overtime, allowances, and annual leave loading, but super is paid on top. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that super guarantee is an extra 12% of ordinary earnings paid into a super fund, not included in the salary figure unless the contract says 'total remuneration package including super. Always check your contract and the rules.

Annual gross pay is calculated as hourly rate × hours per week × 52, assuming a 38-hour week for full-time, with super paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings.

Does Salary Include Super?

When you see a salary offer, you might ask does salary include super? In Australia, the answer is usually no. A salary or annualised wage is the gross amount you receive before tax, and superannuation is paid on top by your employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that an annualised wage covers minimum pay rates, penalties, overtime, allowances, and annual leave loading, but super is a separate entitlement under the National Employment Standards. Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% of your ordinary earnings into your nominated super fund, and this is not deducted from your salary. Some contracts may say 'total remuneration package including super', meaning the quoted figure includes both salary and super contributions. Always check your employment contract and the guidance.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross pay from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, the calculation is straightforward. For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour:

$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,000 (rounded)

If you are paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by 2. The timesheet on this site uses this formula, assuming the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. It also assumes a 38-hour week for full-time roles. For part-time or casual, adjust the hours accordingly.

Understanding Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.9 per week for 38 hours. However, most employees are covered by an award or registered agreement that sets higher minimum rates. Award rates vary by industry and classification. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay calculators and guides. Use our pay guides to find your award rate.

Casual Loading and Super

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. The casual loading is included in the rate you see, so if you are paid $33.05 per hour as a casual, that already includes the 25% loading on the $26.44 base. When using the timesheet, enter your base hourly rate (without loading) and check the 'casual loading' box to add 25% automatically. Super is then calculated on the total ordinary earnings, including the loading. For more details, see our casual loading page.

Tax and Medicare

Your annual gross pay is subject to tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
$190,001 and above: 45%

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The levy surcharge applies if you do not have appropriate private hospital cover and your income exceeds thresholds. The timesheet uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds for Medicare because the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. HELP debts, salary packaging, and the Medicare levy surcharge are not deducted. Use our take-home pay calculator for a more detailed estimate.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Your fortnightly gross is simply your weekly pay multiplied by 2. For example, a $52,000 annual salary gives $1,000 per week, or $2,000 per fortnight. The timesheet shows both weekly and fortnightly figures.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid by your employer into your super fund. This is not deducted from your salary. The maximum contribution base for the super guarantee is $270,830 per year. If your earnings exceed that, super is only paid on the first $270,830. The timesheet estimates super at 12% of your annual gross, capped at the maximum base. For more on super and packaging, see our super and packaging page.

Average Weekly Earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time employees was $2,083.7 in May 2026. All employees total earnings averaged $1,579.2 per week (including part-time). These figures can help you benchmark your pay. Visit our average pay page for more data.

Important Disclaimer

This timesheet provides an estimate only. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. For accurate calculations, consult your employer, a tax professional, or the Australian Taxation Office.