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

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52 (weeks per year). For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and super. For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44/hour, annual gross = $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44. Your fortnightly pay would be roughly $2,010.36 (weekly × 2). This calculation assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances.

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

The National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hour from 1 July 2026) is the legal minimum for all employees not covered by an award or agreement. Award rates are industry- or occupation-specific minimums set by the Fair Work Commission and are often higher. Many employees are covered by an award that includes penalty rates, allowances, and classifications. Always check the relevant award or enterprise agreement for your correct minimum rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award.

Does the calculator include superannuation and tax?

The calculator on this site estimates your gross annual pay from an hourly rate. Superannuation is calculated at 12% of ordinary earnings and is paid on top of your base salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Tax is estimated using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (nil to $18,200, then 15%, 30%, 37%, 45%) plus the 2% Medicare levy. The result is an estimate only; it does not account for HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. Use the [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) page for a more detailed breakdown.

New Zealand Minimum Wage vs Australia: How to Convert Hourly to Annual Pay

Using a 38-hour week and 52-week year, the Australian National Minimum Wage of $26.44/hour gives an annual gross of $52,269.44, with super paid on top.

Understanding Hourly to Annual Conversion with a 38-Hour Week

Whether you're comparing job offers or checking your pay, converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is straightforward when you know the formula. In Australia, the standard full-time week is 38 hours, and the year has 52 weeks. This article explains the calculation, how it differs from the new zealand minimum wage, and what to consider for tax, super, and casual loading.

The Basic Formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52.

For a 38-hour week, this becomes: hourly rate × 38 × 52.

Let's use the Australian National Minimum Wage (from 1 July 2026) as an example: $26.44 per hour.

Annual gross: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44
Fortnightly gross: weekly pay × 2 = ($26.44 × 38) × 2 = $2,010.36

This calculation assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It's a starting point for budgeting and comparing offers.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates vs Casual Loading

Australia has several minimum wage levels:

National Minimum Wage: $26.44/hour for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement.
Award rates: Higher minimums set by the Fair Work Commission for specific industries and roles. Many workers are covered by an award, so always check your pay guides for the correct rate.
Casual loading: A 25% loading on top of the base rate to compensate for lack of paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05/hour ($26.44 × 1.25). When using the timesheet, enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and tick the casual loading checkbox to add 25% automatically. Never enter a rate that already includes loading.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

Employers must pay super guarantee at 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) on top of your base salary. This is not deducted from your pay. For the National Minimum Wage example, the annual super contribution would be $52,269.44 × 12% = $6,272.33, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. See super and packaging for more.

Tax and Medicare

Your gross annual pay is taxed using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

$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
$190,001+: 45% on the excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 thresholds). The take-home pay page can help estimate your net income.

How the New Zealand Minimum Wage Compares

While this site focuses on Australian pay, it's useful to see how the new zealand minimum wage stacks up. From 1 April 2026, New Zealand's adult minimum wage is $23.95 per hour. There are also lower rates for starting-out workers and trainees at $19.16 per hour. New Zealand also requires employer KiwiSaver contributions (3% minimum) on top of the minimum wage, similar to Australia's super guarantee. The New Zealand Inland Revenue provides a PAYE calculator for deductions.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It then calculates your annual gross, fortnightly pay, estimated super, and tax. Remember: the results are estimates. For precise figures, refer to your award, employment agreement, or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Key Points to Remember

Always use a 38-hour week for standard full-time conversion unless your agreement specifies otherwise.
The fortnightly amount is simply weekly pay × 2.
Super is paid on top of your base rate, not included in it.
Casual loading is added to the base rate, not the other way around.
Check minimum wage and average pay for more context.

This article provides a general guide. Your actual pay may differ based on your award, enterprise agreement, or individual contract. Always consult official sources for your specific situation.