What's the Average Salary in Australia? Your Hourly to Annual Guide
Based on the ABS average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time ($2,083.70 per week), the average annual salary in Australia is about $108,352, assuming a 38-hour week.
What's the Average Salary in Australia?
If you're wondering whats the average salary in australia, the most reliable figure comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey. For May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. Multiply that by 52 weeks and you get roughly $108,352 per year. That's an average across all full-time employees, not a median or a guarantee for any particular job. For all employees (including part-time), the average weekly total earnings were $1,579.20, which works out to about $82,118 annually.
But averages can be misleading. Your actual pay depends on your industry, award classification, experience, and whether you're full-time, part-time, or casual. This guide will help you convert your hourly rate to annual pay, understand the National Minimum Wage, and factor in tax and super.
Converting Hourly to Annual: The Basic Formula
The standard formula is:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For a full-time employee working 38 hours a week (the standard under the Fair Work Act), the calculation is straightforward. If you earn $30 per hour, your annual gross salary is $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280. If you work a different number of hours each week, use your average weekly hours. This formula assumes you work every week of the year with the same hourly rate and no unpaid leave.
Fortnightly Pay
Many employers pay fortnightly. To estimate your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the example above: weekly pay = $30 × 38 = $1,140; fortnightly = $2,280. This can help you budget between pay cycles.
National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates
The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top, making it $33.05 per hour. However, most employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. Awards are industry- or occupation-specific and include classifications for different skill levels. Always check your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. The minimum wage page has more details.
Casual Loading
If you are a casual employee, your hourly rate should include a casual loading (usually 25%) to compensate for not receiving paid leave. When using our timesheet calculator on the home page, you can check a box to add 25% casual loading on top of your base hourly rate. Do not type a rate that already includes loading; the calculator does it for you. For more, see casual loading.
Superannuation: Paid on Top
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. This is on top of your salary, not deducted from it. For example, if your annual gross salary is $80,000, your employer adds $9,600 to your super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not included in the hourly-to-annual conversion because it is an extra benefit. Learn more about super and packaging.
Tax on Your Annual Salary
For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:
- Nil on income up to $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 a Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds, as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). This is an estimate only. It does not include the Medicare levy surcharge, HELP repayments, or salary packaging. For a more detailed estimate, see take-home pay.
What About Award Rates and Job Pay?
If you are covered by an award, your minimum hourly rate will be higher than the National Minimum Wage. Awards also set penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime. The job pay page can help you find typical rates for your occupation, but remember that these are averages or award minima, not a median for your specific job. The ABS average weekly earnings figure ($2,083.70) is an average across all full-time adults, not a median or a guarantee for any role.
Using the Hourly to Annual Calculator
On the home page, you can enter your base hourly rate and choose whether you are casual. The calculator will show your annual, fortnightly, and weekly gross pay, along with estimated tax and super. It assumes a 38-hour week unless you adjust the hours. The results are estimates only, as explained in the disclaimer.
Summary
- Average salary (full-time adult ordinary time): ~$108,352 per year
- National Minimum Wage: $26.44 per hour ($33.05 casual)
- Formula: hourly × hours per week × 52
- Super: 12% on top, up to $270,830
- Tax: 2026–27 resident rates plus 2% Medicare levy (estimated)
For more detailed reference tables, visit the reference tables page. And if you need to check your pay against awards, see the pay guides section.
Remember: your actual pay may differ due to overtime, allowances, salary sacrifice, or unpaid leave. Always consult your employer or a qualified professional for personal advice.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.