How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by hours per week (usually 38) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $30/hour × 38 × 52 = $59,280 gross per year. If you're casual, add 25% loading first.

What is the current National Minimum Wage?

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour including 25% loading, as set by the Fair Work Commission.

Is superannuation included in my hourly rate?

No, super guarantee of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. For example, if your annual gross is $60,000, your employer pays an additional $7,200 into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

Salary Survey Guide: Convert Hourly Rates to Annual Pay with Casual Loading and Super

For a 38-hour week, annual pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52; casual loading adds 25%, and super is 12% on top.

Understanding the Salary Survey Approach

When you encounter a salary survey, it typically reports annual total compensation for a role. To make sense of your own pay, you need to convert your hourly rate to an annual figure using a consistent method. In Australia, the standard full-time working week is 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Act 2009. This is the basis for most salary survey comparisons. Our hourly conversion tool uses this assumption, but you can adjust if your actual hours differ.

The Basic Formula: Hourly × Hours × 52

The core formula is: annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For example, a $45 per hour rate yields $45 × 38 × 52 = $88,920 per year. This assumes you work every week of the year with no unpaid leave. If you work part-time, say 20 hours per week, the annual figure is $45 × 20 × 52 = $46,800. Salary surveys often report full-time equivalent (FTE) figures, so adjust accordingly.

Why 38 Hours?

The 38-hour week is the standard under the National Employment Standards. Many modern awards and enterprise agreements also adopt this. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that minimum wage rates are set per 38-hour week. When using our minimum wage page, you'll see the weekly rate based on 38 hours.

Casual Loading: 25% on Top

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid sick leave or annual leave. The loading is applied on top of the minimum rate. For example, the National Minimum Wage for casuals is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 base + 25%). Our casual loading tool has a checkbox to add this automatically. Never enter a rate that already includes loading; the tool calculates it correctly.

Salary surveys may report casual rates including loading. Always check the base rate used in the survey to ensure you're comparing like with like.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. It does not reduce your take-home pay. For instance, if your annual gross is $80,000, your employer contributes $9,600 to your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Some salary surveys include super in total remuneration; others exclude it. Our super and packaging page explains how to account for this.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) as per the Fair Work Commission. However, most employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. For example, the Health Services Award and SCHADS Award have specific rates. Use the pay guides from Fair Work Ombudsman to find the correct award rate for your job. Salary surveys often reflect market rates above award minima.

Special Minimum Wages

The Fair Work Commission also sets special minimum wages for juniors (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and employees with disability. These are percentages of the National Minimum Wage. When comparing salary survey data for these groups, ensure you use the correct base.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

After calculating gross annual pay, estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax scale: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. Add Medicare levy of 2%. For a single person earning $80,000, tax is approximately $5,092 plus $1,200 Medicare = $6,292, leaving $73,708 take-home. Use our take-home pay tool for a detailed estimate. Remember, this is an estimate; actual tax depends on your circumstances.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross, multiply weekly pay by 2. For a $30/hour casual, weekly is $30 × 1.25 × 38 = $1,425, fortnightly $2,850. This helps with budgeting and comparing salary survey data that may be quoted fortnightly.

Using Salary Surveys to Benchmark

Salary surveys from recruiters or industry bodies provide median or average pay for roles. Compare your converted annual figure with these. However, be aware of differences: surveys may include bonuses, allowances, or super. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) shows full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 annually. This includes overtime and other payments. For a more direct comparison, use our reference tables which provide benchmarks based on occupation and industry.

Remember, our calculator assumes no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. It's an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. Always consult a professional for personal advice.