Understanding the Mechatronics Engineer Salary: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax in Australia
For a mechatronics engineer on a typical full-time award rate, assuming 38 hours per week, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52.
Calculating a Mechatronics Engineer Salary from Hourly Rates
When you receive an hourly rate offer for a mechatronics engineer role, the first step is to convert it to an annual figure. The standard formula is:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
This article assumes a full-time working week of 38 hours, as defined in most modern awards. For example, if your hourly rate is $45.00, your annual gross pay would be $45.00 × 38 × 52 = $88,920. If you work part-time or different hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly.
The Fortnightly Equivalent
Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the same example, weekly pay is $45.00 × 38 = $1,710, so fortnightly gross is $3,420. This can help you budget between pay cycles.
Award Coverage for Mechatronics Engineers
Mechatronics engineers are not covered by a single national award. Depending on your industry—manufacturing, automation, robotics, or professional services—you may fall under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 or the Professional Employees Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database with current minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. Always check the specific classification that matches your duties.
For the most up-to-date pay guides, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides page. These guides list minimum hourly rates for each award classification, plus monetary allowances and common penalty rates.
National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates
From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, most mechatronics engineers will be covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. For example, a mechatronics engineer classified at a higher skill level under the Manufacturing Award may earn $35–$50 per hour. The award rate always overrides the national minimum.
If you are employed as a casual, the award includes a 25% casual loading. For the national minimum wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. Never include casual loading in the base rate you enter into a calculator—our timesheet has a checkbox to add it automatically.
Tax on Your Mechatronics Engineer Salary
Once you have your annual gross figure, you can estimate your take-home pay using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- Nil tax 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
Additionally, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For 2026–27, the single reduction thresholds were not confirmed in this article, so we use the 2025–26 thresholds. If your income is below a certain level, the levy may be reduced or waived.
For a mechatronics engineer earning $100,000 annually, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be:
- $0 on first $18,200
- 15% on $26,800 ($18,201–$45,000) = $4,020
- 30% on $55,000 ($45,001–$100,000) = $16,500
- Total tax = $20,520
- Plus Medicare 2% = $2,000
- Total deductions = $22,520
- Take-home pay ≈ $77,480
Use our take-home pay page for a more detailed breakdown.
Superannuation on Top
Your employer must pay super guarantee at 12% of your ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This means if your annual gross is $100,000, your employer contributes an additional $12,000 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay—it is paid in addition.
For a mechatronics engineer earning above the cap, super only applies to the first $270,830. See super and packaging for more on salary sacrifice and contribution limits.
Using the Hourly to Annual Conversion
Our hourly conversion tool helps you quickly see annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly figures. Remember that the calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. If your role includes shift penalties or overtime, your actual pay will differ.
Average Mechatronics Engineer Salary
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, or approximately $108,352 annually. Mechatronics engineers often earn above this average due to specialised skills. However, precise figures depend on experience, location, and industry. Check average pay for broader comparisons.
Summary
To calculate your mechatronics engineer salary:
- Find your award classification and base hourly rate from the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide.
- Multiply by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks for annual gross.
- Add casual loading if applicable (use the checkbox on our timesheet).
- Estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident scale plus Medicare.
- Remember super is paid on top at 12%.
Always refer to the minimum wage page for the latest national rates, and consult a tax professional for your individual circumstances.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.