How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay: From Minimum Wage to Steph Curry Salary
Annual pay is calculated as hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks, with super and tax applied separately.
Converting Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay
Whether you're negotiating a new job offer or checking your current wage, converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is a straightforward calculation. The formula is simple: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52 weeks in a year. For full-time employees in Australia, the standard assumption is 38 hours per week, as set by the Fair Work Commission. This gives you a gross annual figure before tax, super, and any deductions.
For example, if you earn $30 per hour and work 38 hours each week, your annual salary is $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280. If you are paid fortnightly, your gross pay each fortnight would be $30 × 76 = $2,280 (since a fortnight is two weeks). This conversion works for any hourly rate, from the National Minimum Wage right up to a Steph Curry salary level — the same maths applies.
The 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 minimum base rate for adult employees who are not covered by an award or agreement. If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour.
Most employees in Australia are covered by an award, which sets minimum pay rates for specific industries and roles. Award rates are typically higher than the National Minimum Wage. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, as confirmed by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Always check the relevant pay guide for your award to ensure you are being paid correctly. You can find these guides on our pay guides page.
Superannuation and Tax on Your Annual Pay
Your annual salary is only part of the picture. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of your ordinary earnings. The super rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on a $60,000 annual salary, your employer would add $7,200 in super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit.
When it comes to tax, the Australian Taxation Office applies a progressive scale for residents in 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
In addition, most residents pay the Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. The tax-free threshold means you pay no tax on the first $18,200, but the Medicare levy still applies to your total taxable income. For a more detailed breakdown of your take-home pay, see our take-home pay guide.
Example: From Minimum Wage to a Steph Curry Salary
Let's put it all together with a few examples. At the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, working 38 hours per week, your annual gross salary is $52,254.80. After applying the tax scales and Medicare levy (using the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as a guide), your estimated take-home pay would be around $44,000, depending on your circumstances. Your employer would also pay $6,270.58 in super on top.
Now consider a much higher earner — say someone earning a Steph Curry salary level, such as $40 million per year. That would equate to an hourly rate of $40,000,000 ÷ (38 × 52) ≈ $20,242 per hour. The same conversion formula applies, though the tax rate would be the top marginal rate of 45% plus Medicare levy. Even at that level, the calculation remains consistent.
For average full-time adult ordinary time earnings, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That works out to an hourly rate of $2,083.70 ÷ 38 ≈ $54.83 per hour, and an annual salary of $108,352.40. You can compare your own rate using our reference tables.
Using Our Timesheet Calculator
To make the conversion easy, use our the timesheet calculator. Simply enter your base hourly rate, and if you are a casual employee, check the box to add the 25% casual loading on top. The calculator will show your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, along with estimated tax and super. It assumes a 38-hour week and the same rate every week, without overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a full explanation of how casual loading works, visit our casual loading page.
Important Disclaimer
This conversion is an estimate only. Your actual pay may differ due to unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, salary sacrifice, or other factors. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold, and Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds. HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included. Always consult your employer or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.