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

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time role, assume 38 hours per week. For example, $30/hour × 38 × 52 = $59,280 gross per year. If you work fewer weeks (e.g., casual or part-year), adjust the 52-week figure may overstate your actual annual earnings.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates and casual loading?

The National Minimum Wage (from 1 July 2026) is $26.44/hour for full-time employees. Award rates are higher for specific industries and are set by the Fair Work Commission. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of their base rate (e.g., $33.05/hour for minimum wage). Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at 12%.

How is tax and super calculated on my annual pay?

For 2026–27, tax uses the resident scale: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,001 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $120,000; 37% from $120,001 to $180,000; 45% above $180,000. Medicare levy is 2% (using 2025–26 reduction thresholds). Super is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base. These are estimates only.

Understanding the Median Salary Melbourne and How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

For a 38-hour week and 52-week year, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52. The National Minimum Wage is $26.44/hour, giving $52,254.80 annually before tax and super.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

If you know your hourly rate, you can estimate your annual gross salary using a simple formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. This assumes you work the same number of hours every week for a full year, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For most full-time employees in Australia, the standard week is 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

For example, if you earn $30 per hour and work 38 hours each week, your annual gross pay is:

$30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280

This figure is before tax, Medicare, and superannuation. It also does not include casual loading, which is an extra 25% on top of the base rate for casual employees (see casual loading for details).

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. However, many workers are covered by award rates that are higher than the minimum. Award rates vary by industry and classification, and you can check your specific award using pay guides.

If you are comparing your pay to the median salary Melbourne, note that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings, not median figures. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) for full-time adult ordinary time is $2,083.70 per week, which is an average, not a median. The median salary in Melbourne is often discussed in job advertisements and industry reports, but no single official figure is published for all occupations. For a more tailored comparison, refer to job pay resources.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, simply multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the $30/hour example:

Weekly: $30 × 38 = $1,140
Fortnightly: $1,140 × 2 = $2,280

This helps when budgeting or comparing salary offers that are quoted per fortnight.

Tax and Superannuation

Your annual gross pay is used to estimate tax and super. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% on excess over $135,000
$190,001 and above: $51,370 plus 45% on excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The 2025–26 single reduction thresholds are used here because the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed at the time of calculation. For a more accurate estimate of your take-home pay, use the take-home pay guide.

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary by your employer. It is not deducted from your hourly rate. The maximum contribution base for super is $270,830 per year. For example, on a $59,280 salary, your employer would contribute $7,113.60 in super (12% of $59,280). Learn more about super and packaging.

Important Considerations

The formula annual gross = hourly × hours per week × 52 is a starting point. It assumes you work every week of the year with no unpaid leave. If you are casual or work part-time, your actual annual earnings may differ. Also, award rates may include penalty rates for weekends or overtime, which are not captured here.

For a quick calculation, you can use the timesheet, where you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading; use the checkbox instead.

Using Reference Tables

For a broader view of typical pay, the reference tables provide average weekly earnings by industry and state. Remember, these are averages, not medians. The median salary Melbourne is a common benchmark but varies by occupation and experience. Always check your specific award or enterprise agreement for your exact entitlements.

Summary

Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 × 52 (if full-time)
National Minimum Wage: $26.44/hour; casual: $33.05/hour
Super is 12% on top, up to $270,830
Tax and Medicare are deducted from gross pay
Fortnightly pay = weekly pay × 2

Use the minimum wage page for current rates, and the hourly conversion guide for more examples.