How do I calculate my annual pilot salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by 38 (ordinary hours per week for full-time pilots) and then by 52 weeks. For example, an aerial application pilot on $29.39 per hour earns about $58,080 annually before tax and super. If you are casual, your hourly rate already includes a 25% loading, but the same formula applies. Always check your specific classification in the Air Pilots Award, as some roles use annual salaries converted to hourly via 1/800th of the annual salary for flying hours.

What is the casual loading for pilots under the Air Pilots Award?

Casual pilots receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. However, the base rate for casual pilots is calculated differently: for airlines/general aviation, it is 1/800th of the annual salary (including additions) per flying hour, then plus 25%. For aerial application operations, there is a set daily rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides an example: a casual captain flying a multi-engine aircraft earns $126.16 per hour after loading.

How does tax and super affect my pilot salary estimate?

Your annual gross pay is the starting point. For 2026-27, resident tax rates apply: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. Medicare levy is 2% (based on 2025-26 thresholds). Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top by your employer, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Use our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) tool for a more detailed estimate.

Understanding Your Pilot Salary: Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay Under the Air Pilots Award

For a full-time pilot under the Air Pilots Award, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks, with super paid on top at 12%.

Converting a Pilot Salary: From Hourly to Annual

Understanding your pilot salary starts with knowing how to convert an hourly rate to an annual figure. Whether you are negotiating a new role or checking your current pay, the formula is straightforward: multiply your hourly rate by the number of ordinary hours per week, then by 52 weeks. For full-time pilots under the Air Pilots Award 2020 (MA000046), ordinary hours are 38 per week. This gives you the gross annual salary before tax, super, and any allowances.

The Basic Conversion Formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks.

For example, if you are a full-time aerial application pilot with over 3000 flying hours, the award rate is $29.39 per hour (from the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide effective July 2026). Your annual salary would be:

$29.39 × 38 × 52 = $58,080.64.

This matches the weekly rate of $1,116.80 multiplied by 52. You can also think in fortnights: weekly rate × 2 gives $2,233.60 per fortnight before deductions.

Award-Specific Rates for Pilots

The Air Pilots Award sets minimum salaries for different classifications. For airlines and general aviation, rates are expressed as annual salaries, not hourly. To find the hourly equivalent for a full-time pilot, divide the annual salary by 52 weeks, then by 38 hours. For example, a Captain on a Boeing 737-300 has a minimum annual salary of $65.65 per hour (plus a daily allowance). That hourly rate is already derived from the annual salary.

For aerial application operations, the award provides explicit hourly rates based on flying experience:

0 to 1000 hours (first 6 months): $25.74 per hour
0 to 1000 hours (over 6 months): $26.44 per hour
1001 to 2000 hours: $26.44 per hour
2001 to 3000 hours: $27.26 per hour
Over 3000 hours: $29.39 per hour

These rates are for full-time and part-time employees. Casual pilots receive a 25% loading on top, but the base rate is calculated differently (see below).

Casual Loading and the 1/800th Rule

Casual pilots under the Air Pilots Award are paid per flying hour. The base rate is 1/800th of the annual salary (including applicable additions) for the class of work. Then a 25% casual loading is added. This loading replaces entitlements like annual leave and sick leave.

Example from the Fair Work Ombudsman: A casual captain flying a multi-engine piston aircraft (max take-off weight 3810 kg) with a command instrument rating has an annual salary of $70,496 plus additions totalling $10,245.53. The casual hourly rate is:

($70,496 + $10,245.53) ÷ 800 = $100.93 per hour (base) $100.93 × 1.25 = $126.16 per hour (casual rate)

This is significantly higher than the full-time equivalent because it compensates for the lack of leave entitlements. For aerial application operations, casuals have a set daily rate instead.

Comparing to the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for full-time employees, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees get $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. Many pilot award rates are above this minimum, especially for experienced captains. However, entry-level aerial application pilots may start at $25.74 per hour, which is slightly below the national minimum. This is allowed because the award rate is the legal minimum for that classification. Always check your specific award classification using the pay guides on our site.

Superannuation and Tax on Your Pilot Salary

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings for 2026-27, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a pilot earning $58,080 annually, the employer would contribute $6,969.60 in super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit.

Tax is calculated on your gross annual salary using the 2026-27 resident tax rates:

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

Medicare levy of 2% applies (using 2025-26 single reduction thresholds as 2026-27 thresholds are not confirmed). For a $58,080 salary, the tax would be approximately $9,444 plus Medicare $1,161.60, leaving about $47,474 take-home pay. Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Important Considerations

Penalty rates and allowances: The Air Pilots Award includes daily allowances (e.g., $138.85 per day for some captains) and overtime. These are not included in the basic hourly-to-annual conversion. Your actual earnings may be higher.
Hours of work: Ordinary hours must not average more than 38 per week, but actual flight time may vary. The award allows for CASA regulations and Fatigue Risk Management Systems.
Casual vs permanent: Casual loading is 25%, but you lose paid leave. Permanent pilots get annual leave, sick leave, and notice of termination.
Superannuation fund: Under the award, employers must contribute to AustralianSuper or another eligible fund unless the employee chooses a different fund.

For a full breakdown of award rates, see our reference tables. If you need to calculate your annual pay from an hourly rate, use the timesheet on our home page. Remember, this is an estimate based on standard assumptions. Always consult your employment contract and the Fair Work Ombudsman for your exact entitlements.

Disclaimer

Annual pay here is 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 is 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.