What is the formula to convert an hourly rate to an annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For a full-time employee on a standard 38-hour week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual salary before tax and super. For example, $38 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $75,088 per year.

How does casual loading affect my annual salary?

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate under most awards. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements. If your base rate is $38 per hour, the casual rate becomes $47.50 per hour. Using the same 38-hour week, your annual salary as a casual would be $47.50 × 38 × 52 = $93,860 before tax and super. The loading is paid on top of the base rate, so never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into a calculator.

38 per hour annual salary: How to calculate your full-time pay with casual loading and super

Q: How is superannuation calculated on my annual salary?

Superannuation guarantee contributions are paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. As of 2026–27, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $38 per hour annual salary of $75,088, the super contribution would be $9,010.56 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit paid into your super fund.

For a full-time worker on a 38-hour week, a $38 per hour annual salary equals approximately $75,088 before tax and super, with super paid on top.

How to calculate your 38 per hour annual salary

If you earn $38 per hour and work a full-time week of 38 hours, your annual salary is straightforward to work out. The standard formula used across Australia is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks = gross annual salary

For $38 per hour: $38 × 38 × 52 = $75,088 per year before tax and super.

This calculation assumes you work the same hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. It is a useful starting point for comparing job offers or understanding your annual earning potential.

Fortnightly pay

Most Australian employees are paid fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by two. Weekly pay at $38 per hour for 38 hours is $1,444. Your fortnightly gross is $2,888 before tax and super.

Casual loading

If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of your base hourly rate under most modern awards. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave such as annual leave and sick leave. For a $38 base rate, the casual rate becomes $47.50 per hour. Your annual salary as a casual would be:

$47.50 × 38 × 52 = $93,860 per year before tax and super.

Remember: the loading is applied on top of the base rate. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading when using a calculator. The casual loading page explains how this works in different awards.

Superannuation paid on top

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $38 per hour annual salary of $75,088, the super contribution is $9,010.56 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional amount paid into your super fund. See super and packaging for more details.

Tax and take-home pay

Your take-home pay depends on your total taxable income and the tax rates for 2026–27. The resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on the excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on the excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on the excess over $135,000
$190,001 and above: 45% on the excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (generally). For a $75,088 annual salary:

Tax on first $18,200: $0
Tax on $18,201 to $45,000: 15% of $26,800 = $4,020
Tax on $45,001 to $75,088: 30% of $30,088 = $9,026.40
Total tax: $13,046.40
Medicare levy (2%): $1,501.76
Total deductions: $14,548.16
Take-home pay: $60,539.84 per year ($1,164.23 per week, $2,328.46 per fortnight)

These are estimates. Your actual tax may vary if you have HELP debt, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. Use the take-home pay page for a more detailed breakdown.

National Minimum Wage and award rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. Most employees are covered by an award or registered agreement that may set higher rates. Check your award on the minimum wage page or use the pay guides to find your correct rate.

What this calculation does not include

This annual salary estimate is a simple conversion. It does not account for:

Unpaid overtime or penalty rates
Allowances or shift loadings
Salary sacrifice arrangements
The Medicare levy surcharge or HELP repayments
The superannuation guarantee maximum contribution base cap

Always use the reference tables for the most current figures, and consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.

Summary

For a full-time worker on 38 hours per week, a $38 per hour annual salary is $75,088 before tax and super. With casual loading, it rises to $93,860. Super is paid on top at 12%. Use the hourly conversion tool to try different rates, and remember to check your award or agreement for the correct base rate.