How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time employee working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour gives $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,270.72 per year. If you work different hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and other deductions.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and an award rate?

The National Minimum Wage is the legal minimum pay for employees not covered by an award or agreement. From 1 July 2026 it is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 for casuals including 25% loading). Award rates are higher minimums set by the Fair Work Commission for specific industries and occupations. For example, the Health Services Award and the SCHADS Award have their own classification rates that often exceed the National Minimum Wage. Most employees are covered by an award, so you should check the relevant pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website to find your correct minimum rate.

How is superannuation calculated and is it included in my salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year (2026–27). For example, if your annual gross salary is $52,270.72, your employer must pay an additional $6,272.49 into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay. Tax is calculated on your salary before super, and super is taxed separately at 15% within the fund. Always check your pay slip to ensure super is being paid correctly.

From lebron salary to award rates: your guide to hourly and annual pay

Based on a 38-hour week and 52 weeks per year, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour equates to an annual gross salary of $52,270.72.

Understanding hourly to annual conversion

Whether you're earning the National Minimum Wage or a lebron salary, the same formula applies: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. This gives your gross annual pay. For a standard full-time employee, we assume 38 hours per week, as defined by the Fair Work Ombudsman. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour results in an annual gross salary of $52,270.72. But most workers are covered by an award, which sets higher minimum rates. Even a lebron salary can be broken down this way—though you'd need to know the actual hourly rate.

The basic formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work part-time or casual hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide the minimum rates for full-time, part-time, and casual employees under each award.

National Minimum Wage vs award rates

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor. From 1 July 2026 it is $26.44 per hour for permanent employees and $33.05 per hour for casuals (including 25% loading). However, most employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. For instance, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS) has seen changes from 1 December 2026, with home care disability employees receiving an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum award rates. The Health Services Award also had pay and classification changes from 1 October 2026. Always check the relevant pay guide to ensure you're being paid correctly.

Casual loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. This loading is added to the base rate, not included in it. When using the timesheet tool on this site, you can check a box to add 25% casual loading to your base rate. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading—the tool handles it for you.

Fortnightly and weekly pay

Many employees are paid weekly or fortnightly. To find your weekly pay, multiply your hourly rate by your weekly hours. For the National Minimum Wage at 38 hours: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.90 per week. Fortnightly pay is double that: $2,009.80. This helps you budget and compare with job advertisements that quote weekly or fortnightly figures.

Tax and superannuation

Tax is deducted from your gross pay using the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. Superannuation is paid on top of your salary at 12% of ordinary earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on a $52,270.72 salary, your employer pays an extra $6,272.49 into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay.

Using the timesheet

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents, along with estimated tax and super. It assumes a 38-hour week unless you adjust the hours. Remember that this is an estimate—your actual pay may vary due to enterprise agreements, salary sacrifice, or other factors.

Key takeaways

The formula hourly × 38 × 52 gives annual gross pay for a full-time employee.
The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, but award rates are often higher.
Casual loading of 25% is added on top of the base rate.
Super is paid on top of your salary at 12%, not deducted.
Tax and Medicare are calculated on your gross pay.

For more details on award rates, visit the pay guides page. To check the current minimum wage, see our minimum wage page. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Australian Taxation Office for your specific situation.