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. For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the annual gross is $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80.

How are tax and super calculated in the salary guide?

Tax is estimated using the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. Medicare levy of 2% applies (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds). Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. These are estimates only – see the full disclaimer.

Salary Guide: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay (38-Hour Week)

Q: Does the salary guide include casual loading?

Yes, but the loading is applied on top of the base hourly rate. Casual employees under most awards receive a 25% loading instead of paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 + 25%). When using our calculator, enter your base hourly rate and tick the casual loading checkbox – do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

Based on a 38-hour week and 52-week year, an hourly rate of $26.44 gives an annual gross of $52,254.80, with super of $6,270.58 paid on top.

Salary Guide: From Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

Whether you're negotiating a job offer, comparing roles, or planning your budget, a reliable salary guide helps you turn an hourly rate into an annual figure. This guide uses the standard full-time week of 38 hours and a 52-week year, as set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission. We also show you the fortnightly equivalent, tax, and superannuation.

The Basic Formula

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

For a 38-hour week, that’s hourly rate × 38 × 52. If you work part-time or different hours, adjust the hours per week accordingly. The formula assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances.

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 ordinary hours, according to the Fair Work Commission. This is the base rate for award/agreement-free employees aged 21 and over. Most employees are covered by an award, which sets higher minimum rates. You can find the correct pay rates for your industry in the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Casual Loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate instead of paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 × 1.25). When using our timesheet, enter your base hourly rate and tick the casual loading checkbox – never enter a rate that already includes loading.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For example, at the National Minimum Wage: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80 per fortnight. This is useful for budgeting and comparing salary packages.

Annual Gross Examples

Using the 38-hour week formula:

National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hr): $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year
Casual rate ($33.05/hr): $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,318.80 per year
ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026): Full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week (Australian Bureau of Statistics). That equates to an annual salary of $108,352.40 (assuming 52 weeks).

Tax on Your Salary

Income tax is withheld by your employer under the PAYG system. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% for each $1 over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% for each $1 over $135,000
$190,001 and over: 45% for each $1 over $190,000

Most taxpayers also pay the Medicare levy of 2% (reductions may apply for low-income earners). Our calculator uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed in this estimate.

Superannuation Guarantee

Your employer must pay superannuation on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your pay; it’s an extra contribution to your super fund.

For example, on a $52,254.80 salary, the super contribution is $52,254.80 × 12% = $6,270.58 per year. This amount is not included in your take-home pay but is part of your total remuneration package.

Using This Salary Guide

Our timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and instantly see annual gross, fortnightly pay, tax, Medicare, and super. You can also toggle casual loading. For detailed award rates, visit our pay guides page. For more on minimum wages, see our minimum wage topic.

Remember: this salary guide is an estimate. It does not account for unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, salary sacrifice, HELP repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Always check your specific award or agreement with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Summary

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 (assume 38 hours for full-time)
Fortnightly gross = weekly pay × 2
National Minimum Wage (1 July 2026): $26.44/hr, $1,004.90/week
Casual loading: 25% on top of base rate
Super: 12% paid on top, up to $270,830
Tax: 2026–27 resident rates plus 2% Medicare levy

Use this salary guide as a starting point for your financial planning. For personalised calculations, try our interactive timesheet.