How do I convert my hourly wage to an annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by your weekly hours (usually 38 for full-time) then by 52 weeks. For example, $30 per hour × 38 × 52 = $59,280 per year. This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no salary sacrifice. For casual employees, the 25% casual loading is added on top of the base rate before multiplying.

What is casual loading and how does it affect my pay?

Casual loading is an extra 25% on top of the base hourly rate, as set by the Fair Work Commission. For the National Minimum Wage, casuals receive $33.05 per hour. This compensates for not receiving paid leave such as annual leave or sick leave. When converting to annual pay, use the loaded rate if you are a casual.

How does superannuation work with my annual pay?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026) up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. It is not deducted from your pay but added by your employer. For example, if your annual ordinary earnings are $60,000, your employer contributes $7,200 to your super fund.

From the National Minimum Wage to the AFL Salary Cap: Your Hourly to Annual Pay Guide

Based on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, a full-time worker on 38 hours per week earns $1004.90 per week or $52,254.80 per year before tax and super.

Understanding Your Hourly to Annual Conversion

Whether you are negotiating a salary or comparing job offers, converting your hourly rate to an annual figure is a fundamental skill. The standard formula is simple: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For full-time employees, the typical week is 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Commission for the National Minimum Wage. This gives you a gross annual figure before tax, super, and other deductions.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour, which equates to $1004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This is the minimum for award/agreement-free employees. However, most Australian workers are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award. Always check the applicable award rate before using the National Minimum Wage in your calculations.

Casual Loading and Fortnightly Pay

If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour. When converting to annual pay, use the loaded rate. For example, $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,306.80 per year. Many employers pay fortnightly, so you can also calculate your fortnightly pay as weekly pay × 2. For a full-time permanent employee on the National Minimum Wage, the fortnightly gross would be $2009.80.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Superannuation is not part of your hourly rate or annual salary—it is paid on top by your employer. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your annual ordinary earnings are $60,000, your employer contributes $7,200 to your super fund. This is separate from your take-home pay.

Putting It in Perspective: The AFL Salary Cap

To give context to these figures, consider the AFL salary cap. While the exact cap for 2026 is not published here, it is widely reported to be around $15 million per club, with top players earning over $1 million per year. This contrasts sharply with the National Minimum Wage annual equivalent of $52,254.80. The AFL salary cap highlights the vast range of earnings in Australia, from award-covered workers to elite athletes. Most people, however, fall somewhere in between, and understanding your hourly-to-annual conversion helps you evaluate any offer.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Once you have your gross annual figure, you can estimate your take-home pay using the 2026–27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on earnings up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy adds 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For example, on the National Minimum Wage annual of $52,254.80, the tax would be approximately $6,763 (using the 2026–27 scale) plus Medicare levy of $1,045, leaving about $44,447 after tax and before super. Use our take-home pay page for a more detailed estimate.

Using Our Tools

Our the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading to see your weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures. You can also explore pay guides for award-specific rates. Remember, the conversion assumes 38 hours per week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no salary sacrifice. For a more precise calculation, refer to your award or agreement.

Summary

Converting hourly to annual pay is straightforward: hourly rate × weekly hours × 52. For full-time workers, 38 hours is the standard. Casual loading adds 25%. Super is paid on top at 12%. The National Minimum Wage sets the floor, but awards and agreements often provide higher rates. And while the AFL salary cap shows the high end of earnings, most Australians earn within award or enterprise agreement rates. Use our tools to see where you stand.