How do I calculate my annual surveyor salary from my hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours per week, then by 52 weeks. For example, a Level 10 surveyor on $29.45 per hour earns $29.45 × 38 × 52 = $58,185.20 per year before tax and super. This assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and the Surveying Award rates?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1004.90 per week) for award/agreement-free employees. The Surveying Award sets higher minimum rates for surveyors, ranging from $26.44 (Level 12) to $49.09 (Level 1) per hour. Most surveyors will be covered by the award and paid at least the applicable classification rate.

Surveyor Salary Guide: Award Rates, National Minimum Wage, and How to Calculate Your Pay

Q: How does casual loading affect a surveyor's pay?

Casual employees under the Surveying Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual Level 10 surveyor earns $29.45 × 125% = $36.81 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. Super is still paid on top of the loaded rate.

A full-time surveyor under the Surveying Award earns between $26.44 and $49.09 per hour (Level 12 to Level 1), based on 38 ordinary hours per week.

Understanding Surveyor Salary Under the Surveying Award

If you work in surveying—whether as a surveyor, survey technician, or survey assistant—your minimum pay is set by the Surveying Award 2020. This award covers professional surveyors and related roles, and it provides a clear classification structure with hourly and weekly rates. For a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours per week, the minimum hourly rate ranges from $26.44 (Level 12) to $49.09 (Level 1).

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week for 38 hours. This applies to employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, most surveyors are covered by the Surveying Award, which sets higher minimums for skilled classifications. For example, a Level 5 surveyor must be paid at least $37.24 per hour, well above the national minimum. Always check your classification under the award to ensure you are receiving the correct rate.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

To estimate your annual surveyor salary, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume 38 ordinary hours per week (full-time under the award). For a part-time employee, the same formula applies pro rata. Here’s an example:

Level 10 surveyor: $29.45/hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $58,185.20 per year
Level 5 surveyor: $37.24/hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $73,586.24 per year

This calculation gives gross annual pay before tax and super. It assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances.

Fortnightly Pay

If you are paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For a Level 10 surveyor, weekly pay is $29.45 × 38 = $1,119.10, so fortnightly pay is $2,238.20 before deductions.

Casual Loading for Surveyors

Casual employees under the Surveying Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This is calculated as:

Minimum hourly rate × 1.25

For example, a casual Level 10 surveyor earns $29.45 × 125% = $36.81 per hour. This loading is included in the ordinary rate and also applies to overtime and public holiday rates. The award provides a summary table for casual rates.

Important: When using our timesheet, enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading). If you are casual, check the box to add 25% loading on top. Do not enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Under the Surveying Award, employers must make superannuation contributions to avoid the super guarantee charge. The Super Guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings (as of 2026–27), paid on top of your gross pay. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year.

For a Level 10 surveyor earning $58,185.20 per year, super would be $58,185.20 × 12% = $6,982.22 added to your retirement account. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

Tax on Your Surveyor Salary

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

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

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds).

For a Level 10 surveyor earning $58,185.20:

Tax on $58,185.20: $5,092 (on $18,201–$45,000) + $3,955.56 (on $45,001–$58,185.20) = $9,047.56
Medicare levy: $58,185.20 × 2% = $1,163.70
Total deductions: $10,211.26
Estimated take-home pay: $47,973.94 per year

Use our take-home pay tool for a more detailed estimate.

Where to Find More Information

Pay guides for the Surveying Award
Minimum wage overview
Casual loading explained
Super and packaging details
Average pay for surveyors
Hourly conversion calculator
Job pay by classification

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.