From au minimum wage to top pay: state differences in ordinary-time earnings
Based on a 38-hour week, the au minimum wage of $26.44/hour gives an annual gross of $52,270.72, while the national average full-time ordinary-time earnings are $108,352.40 per year.
Understanding your annual pay from an hourly rate
Whether you're on the au minimum wage or earning well above it, converting your hourly rate to an annual figure helps you compare job offers and plan your budget. The standard formula is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For most full-time employees, we assume 38 hours per week, as set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This gives you a gross annual salary before tax and super.
For example, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. Multiply by 38 hours and 52 weeks: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,270.72 per year. If you're a casual worker, the 25% loading brings your hourly rate to $33.05, so annual gross becomes $65,338.80. Remember, super is paid on top of these amounts.
State differences in ordinary-time earnings
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) for full-time adult ordinary time. The national average in May 2026 was $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352.40 per year. However, this figure masks significant state differences. For instance, the ABS reports that average weekly ordinary-time earnings are typically higher in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and lower in Tasmania and South Australia. These are averages across all industries and occupations, not medians for a specific job. Your own pay may differ based on your award, enterprise agreement, or individual contract.
When you use the timesheet on this site, you can enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents. The tool also lets you add casual loading if applicable. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading – the checkbox adds it for you.
National Minimum Wage vs award rates
The au minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission is the legal floor for all employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, most workers are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates for their industry or role. For example, a retail employee might have a higher base rate than the national minimum. Award rates also include penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime. The figures on this page assume no penalty rates or allowances – just your ordinary hourly rate.
If you're unsure which award applies, check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides. You can find more details on our minimum wage topic page.
Casual loading and super
Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of paid leave. This loading is included in the casual rate shown above. Superannuation is calculated at 12% of your ordinary time earnings (the base rate, not including the casual loading) and is paid on top by your employer. The super guarantee has a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year – earnings above that don't attract compulsory super. Our calculator estimates super at 12% of ordinary earnings only, stopping at that cap.
Tax and take-home pay
Your annual gross pay is taxed using the 2026-27 resident tax rates: nil on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy applies, based on the 2025-26 single reduction thresholds (as the 2026-27 thresholds were not confirmed). The take-home pay page provides more detail on net income after tax and Medicare. Remember, this estimate does not include HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.
Using the timesheet tool
To see your own figures, visit the timesheet and enter your base hourly rate. The tool will calculate your annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay. A fortnight is simply your weekly pay multiplied by two – useful for budgeting if you're paid fortnightly. For example, on the au minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, your fortnightly gross is $2,009.80 (38 hours × $26.44 × 2).
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between the au minimum wage, award rates, and state averages helps you negotiate and plan. The formula hourly × 38 × 52 gives a consistent annual figure, but always check your actual pay slip for overtime, allowances, and deductions. Use our reference tables for more detailed comparisons, and remember that super is paid on top of your gross earnings.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.