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 multiply by 52 weeks. For a standard 38-hour week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and super. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour yields $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44 per year.

What is casual loading and how does it affect my pay?

Casual loading is an extra 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of paid leave and other entitlements. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 + 25%). When using our timesheet, tick the casual loading checkbox to add it automatically. Do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

How is superannuation calculated on my salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at the current rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026). It is not deducted from your pay. For example, on a $52,269 annual salary, the employer would contribute an extra $6,272.28 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not included in your take-home pay.

Minimum Wage Increase 2026: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

Based on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, the annual gross salary is approximately $52,269.

Understanding the Minimum Wage Increase and Your Annual Salary

The Fair Work Commission’s annual minimum wage increase took effect from 1 July 2026, raising the National Minimum Wage to $26.44 per hour. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, that equates to $1,004.90 per week or $52,269 per year before tax and super. This article explains how to convert your hourly rate to annual pay, what the increase means for award-covered employees, and how tax and super affect your take-home pay.

Converting Hourly to Annual: The Simple Formula

To estimate your annual gross salary, use this formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

We assume a standard 38-hour week unless you work different hours. For example:

National Minimum Wage: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269
A casual worker on the minimum wage (including 25% loading): $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,336

If you are paid a salary, you can reverse the calculation to find your effective hourly rate. Remember, this formula assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. For a more precise estimate, use our hourly conversion tool.

Fortnightly Pay: A Handy Reference

Many Australians are paid fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, simply double your weekly pay. For the National Minimum Wage:

Weekly: $1,004.90
Fortnightly: $2,009.80

This can help you budget between pay cycles. Our timesheet allows you to see your pay broken down by week, fortnight, month, and year.

National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. However, most Australian workers are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates for specific industries and roles. For example, the Hospitality Industry General Award may have different rates for a cook versus a waiter. Award rates are often higher than the National Minimum Wage, and they also include casual loadings where applicable.

It is important to check your specific award or enterprise agreement to ensure you are being paid correctly. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award. The figures in this article are based on the National Minimum Wage only; they are not a median for any particular job. For industry averages, see the average pay reference.

Casual Loading: What You Need to Know

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave (annual, personal, or carers’ leave). For the National Minimum Wage:

Base rate: $26.44
Casual rate: $33.05 (including 25% loading)

When using our calculator, never enter a rate that already includes casual loading. Instead, enter the base hourly rate and tick the “casual loading” checkbox to add the 25% automatically. This ensures the calculation is correct. Learn more about casual loading.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your gross annual salary is not what you take home. The Australian Taxation Office applies progressive tax rates for 2026–27:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
$190,001+: 45% on excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a full-time minimum wage earner ($52,269), the estimated tax and Medicare would be:

Tax: $3,092 (15% on $20,669 above $18,200) + $2,181 (30% on $7,269 above $45,000) = $5,273
Medicare: $1,045 (2% of $52,269)
Total deductions: $6,318
Estimated take-home pay: $45,951 per year, or $883 per week

Note: This estimate does not include HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. For a personalised estimate, see our take-home pay guide.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of your ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) into a super fund. This is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. For a minimum wage earner:

Annual super: $52,269 × 12% = $6,272

Super is not included in your take-home pay but is an important part of your total remuneration. Read more about super and packaging.

Key Distinctions

National Minimum Wage: The legal minimum for award-free employees.
Award rates: Higher minimums set by industry awards; always check your award.
Casual loading: 25% on top of base rate for casuals.
Super: 12% paid on top of ordinary earnings, up to the cap.

Remember, the annual pay shown here is an estimate. 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 the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For the latest official information, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Taxation Office. Use our reference tables for more detailed calculations.