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 role, we assume 38 hours per week. For example, $30 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $59,280 annual gross. This formula works for any hourly rate but assumes consistent hours and no unpaid overtime.

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

Casual loading is an extra 25% paid on top of the minimum hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. Under the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides, casual employees covered by an award get this loading. For example, the national minimum wage of $26.44 becomes $33.05 per hour for casuals. Always check your award or agreement to confirm your correct rate.

From Hourly to Annual: A Salary Seeker’s Guide to Tax and Super

Q: How is tax and Medicare calculated on my annual salary?

For 2026–27, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. These are applied to your annual gross pay after any deductions. Use our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) tool for a detailed estimate.

For a salary seeker on the national minimum wage, $26.44 per hour for 38 hours a week gives an annual gross of $52,269.44 before tax and super.

From Hourly to Annual: A Salary Seeker’s Guide

If you’re a salary seeker comparing job offers or planning your budget, converting an hourly rate to an annual figure is a crucial first step. But the number on your pay slip isn’t the whole story—you also need to account for tax, the Medicare levy, and superannuation. This guide walks you through the calculation using official rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission, so you can make informed decisions.

The Basic Formula: Hourly × Hours per Week × 52

The standard way to estimate your annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a full-time employee, we assume a 38-hour week, as set by the National Employment Standards. If you work part-time or casual, use your usual weekly hours. For example, a salary seeker earning $30 per hour for 38 hours would have an annual gross of $59,280 ($30 × 38 × 52).

You can also think in fortnights: multiply your weekly pay by two. A $30 hourly rate gives $1,140 per week ($30 × 38), so a fortnightly pay would be $2,280 before deductions.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week, according to the Fair Work Commission. This is the base rate for award/agreement-free employees. However, most workers are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides list the minimum pay rates for each award, including allowances and penalty rates. Always check your specific award to ensure you’re being paid correctly.

Casual Loading: 25% on Top

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate to compensate for not getting paid sick leave or annual leave. For the national minimum wage, that’s $33.05 per hour ($26.44 × 1.25). If you’re a casual salary seeker, your annual gross would be calculated on the loaded rate. Use the casual loading page to see how this applies to your industry.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Superannuation guarantee contributions are paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a salary seeker earning $59,280, that’s an extra $7,113.60 in super each year. Super is not deducted from your pay—it’s an additional benefit. Learn more on the super and packaging page.

Tax and Medicare for 2026–27

Once you have your annual gross, you can estimate your take-home pay using the resident tax rates for 2026–27:

Nil tax on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For a single person earning $59,280, the tax would be approximately $9,717 (including Medicare), leaving about $49,563 after tax. Use the take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Putting It All Together for a Salary Seeker

Let’s walk through an example. A salary seeker on the national minimum wage ($26.44/hour) working 38 hours a week:

Weekly gross: $1,004.90
Annual gross: $52,269.44
Super (12% on top): $6,272.33
Estimated tax and Medicare: ~$6,157 (using 2026–27 rates)
Annual after-tax: ~$46,112

If the same person is casual, the hourly rate becomes $33.05, giving an annual gross of $65,274.80, with super of $7,832.98 on top.

Important Notes and Disclaimer

This guide assumes a consistent hourly rate with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. It uses the 2026–27 tax scale and the 2025–26 Medicare reduction thresholds (as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included. Always consult the reference tables for the latest figures and speak to a tax professional for your situation.

Start Your Calculation

Ready to see your numbers? Use the timesheet to enter your base hourly rate and toggle casual loading. The tool will show your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, plus estimated tax and super. It’s the quickest way for a salary seeker to compare offers and plan ahead.