What is the minimum wage salary for a 38-hour week?

Using the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, a 38-hour week gives a weekly pay of $1,004.90. Multiplying by 52 weeks gives an annual salary of about $52,255 before tax and super. This is the base rate; award rates may be higher.

How does casual loading affect my annual salary?

Casual loading is an extra 25% on top of the base hourly rate, as set by the Fair Work Commission. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. For a 38-hour week, that gives $1,255.90 per week, or about $65,307 per year before tax and super. The loading compensates for lack of paid leave.

How is superannuation calculated on a minimum wage salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary at 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a minimum wage salary of $52,255, the super contribution would be $6,270.60 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; your employer pays it separately.

How to Calculate Your Minimum Wage Salary from an Hourly Rate

For a 38-hour week at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, your minimum wage salary is approximately $52,255 per year before tax and super.

Converting Your Hourly Rate to a Minimum Wage Salary

If you earn an hourly wage or have a salary offer, understanding your annual pay is essential for budgeting and comparing job offers. The standard formula is simple: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. For full-time employees, the typical assumption is 38 hours per week, as set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This article explains how to calculate your minimum wage salary, including tax, superannuation, and the differences between states in ordinary-time earnings.

The Basic Formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), working 38 hours each week gives:

Weekly pay: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.90
Fortnightly pay: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80
Annual pay: $1,004.90 × 52 = $52,254.80 (rounded to about $52,255)

This calculation assumes you work the same hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If your hours vary, you can use an average over a longer period. For part-time roles, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. The the timesheet on this site lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual equivalent instantly.

National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission. However, most employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that pays more. Award rates vary by industry and occupation, and they often include higher pay for shift work, weekends, or public holidays. The minimum wage salary figure above is the lowest possible annual pay for a full-time adult employee. If you are covered by an award, your rate will be higher. Check your pay guides for specific award rates.

Casual Loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave (annual leave, sick leave). For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. This gives:

Weekly casual pay: $33.05 × 38 = $1,255.90
Annual casual salary: $1,255.90 × 52 = $65,306.80

When using the timesheet, you can check a box to add the 25% casual loading. Do not enter a rate that already includes loading; the tool adds it for you. More details are on the casual loading page.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) data, which shows differences across states and territories. As of May 2026, the national full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. However, state averages vary. For example, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory typically report higher earnings, while Tasmania and South Australia are often below the national average. These differences reflect industry mix, cost of living, and local labour markets. The figures here are national averages, not medians for any specific job. For your occupation, use the average pay reference to compare.

Tax on Your Minimum Wage Salary

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

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

Additionally, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For a minimum wage salary of $52,255, the tax would be:

Tax on first $18,200: $0
Tax on $18,201 to $45,000 ($26,800): 15% = $4,020
Tax on $45,001 to $52,255 ($7,255): 30% = $2,176.50
Total tax: $6,196.50
Medicare levy (2% of $52,255): $1,045.10
Total deductions: $7,241.60
Take-home pay: $52,255 – $7,241.60 = $45,013.40 per year, or about $865.64 per week.

Note: The Medicare levy reduction thresholds for singles are based on 2025–26 figures (not confirmed for 2026–27 here). HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included. Use the take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Superannuation is an additional 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. It does not reduce your take-home pay. For a minimum wage salary of $52,255, the super contribution would be $6,270.60 per year. However, the super guarantee has a maximum contribution base of $270,830, so high earners may not receive super on earnings above that threshold. Super is not part of your salary; it goes into a super fund for retirement. Learn more on super and packaging.

Fortnightly and Monthly Perspectives

Many employers pay fortnightly. For a minimum wage salary, your fortnightly gross pay is $2,009.80. After tax and Medicare, you might take home about $1,731.28 per fortnight. This can help with budgeting for bills and rent. Monthly pay is roughly 4.33 weeks, but exact amounts depend on your pay cycle.

Important Disclaimer

The annual pay shown here is an estimate based on hourly rate × hours per week × 52. 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 precise figures, consult the minimum wage page or a qualified accountant.

Using the Timesheet

To quickly convert your own hourly rate to an annual salary, visit the the timesheet homepage. Enter your base hourly rate, select your hours per week (default 38), and check the casual loading box if applicable. The tool will show your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, along with estimated tax and super. It is designed for Australian workers and uses the latest Fair Work and ATO data.

Understanding your minimum wage salary is the first step to financial planning. Whether you are negotiating a pay rise or comparing job offers, knowing the annual equivalent of your hourly rate helps you make informed decisions.