How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time role, we assume 38 hours per week. For example, $30 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $59,280 gross per year. This formula does not include overtime, penalty rates, or salary sacrifice.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates?

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission, currently $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Award rates are industry- or occupation-specific minimums that are often higher than the NMW. Many employees are covered by an award, which may include penalty rates, allowances, and casual loading. Always check your award for the correct minimum.

How does super salary sacrifice affect my pay?

Super salary sacrifice is an arrangement where you forgo part of your pre-tax salary in exchange for additional employer super contributions. This reduces your taxable income but does not reduce the super guarantee (12% on ordinary earnings). The sacrificed amount counts towards the concessional contributions cap. Our calculator does not deduct salary sacrifice; it shows gross pay before any such arrangement.

Hourly to Annual Pay: National Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and Super Salary Sacrifice Explained

Based on a 38-hour week, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour gives an annual gross of about $52,269 before tax and super.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual salary from an hourly rate, use the simple formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a standard full-time position, we assume a 38-hour week as set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This gives a consistent annual figure, but remember it does not account for unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice.

For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) yields:

Weekly: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.90
Fortnightly: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80
Annual: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44 (gross)

If you are a casual employee, casual loading of 25% is paid on top of the base rate, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour. Our the timesheet lets you enter a base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading via a checkbox. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

The National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal minimum for employees not covered by an award or agreement. As of 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour for a permanent employee. However, most employees are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, which often sets higher minimum rates. Award rates vary by industry and occupation and may include additional entitlements such as penalty rates for weekend or night work.

For example, the minimum wage page provides details on the NMW and links to award-specific pay guides. If you are unsure which award applies, check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer.

Casual Loading and Super

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the base rate to compensate for lack of paid leave. This loading is part of the hourly rate, not an extra payment. Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026) and is not included in the hourly rate. For a casual on the NMW, the super guarantee is calculated on the base rate plus loading? No – super is paid on ordinary earnings, which for casuals includes the loading. So $33.05 per hour × 38 hours = $1,255.90 per week; super at 12% is an additional $150.71 per week, paid into your super fund.

Super Salary Sacrifice

Super salary sacrifice is an arrangement where you agree to reduce your pre-tax salary in exchange for additional employer super contributions. This can be tax-effective because the sacrificed amount is taxed in the super fund at up to 15%, rather than at your marginal rate. However, it does not reduce the super guarantee (12%) – that is calculated on your ordinary earnings before sacrifice. Our estimates show gross pay before any salary sacrifice. For more on this topic, see super and packaging.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

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 of 2% (generally). For a full-time worker on the NMW ($52,269), the tax would be approximately:

$0 on first $18,200
15% on $26,800 ($18,201–$45,000) = $4,020
30% on $7,269 ($45,001–$52,269) = $2,180.70
Total tax = $6,200.70
Medicare levy (2% of $52,269) = $1,045.38
Net annual take-home ≈ $45,023

This is an estimate; it does not include HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. For a more detailed calculation, see take-home pay.

Average Earnings Context

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026 show full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 annually. All employees total earnings (including part-time) average $1,579.20 per week. These are averages across all industries and states, not a median for any specific job. Use them as a benchmark, not as a target for your role.

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.

For award-specific rates, refer to pay guides or reference tables.