How to Compare Your Hourly Rate with a Salary Offer Including Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice

Understanding the Annual Salary Conversion

To convert your hourly rate to an annual salary, multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. For example, if you earn $30 per hour and work 38 hours per week, your annual gross salary is $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280. This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice.

We use a standard 38-hour week because it is the full-time ordinary hours under the Fair Work Act. If you work fewer or more hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. For a fortnightly view, simply double your weekly pay. For instance, $30 per hour × 38 hours = $1,140 per week, so your fortnightly gross is $2,280.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. However, many employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award.

Our the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add the 25% casual loading. Always type the base rate (without loading) and tick the checkbox. Never type a rate that already includes casual loading.

Ordinary Earnings and Superannuation

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a $59,280 salary, the super contribution would be $7,113.60 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to your employer.

Tax and Medicare

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates, the first $18,200 is tax-free. Income between $18,201 and $45,000 is taxed at 15%, then 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. Our tax estimate uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2025–26 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted.

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice

An electric vehicle salary sacrifice is a common salary packaging arrangement where you forgo part of your salary in exchange for an electric vehicle and its running costs, often with FBT exemption. This reduces your taxable income, which can lower your tax and Medicare levy. However, our annual salary estimate does not include any salary sacrifice. If you have an electric vehicle salary sacrifice, your take-home pay will differ from the figure shown. For more on how salary packaging interacts with super and tax, see our super and packaging page.

Averages and Medians

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time as $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). All employees total earnings average $1,579.20 per week, which includes part-time workers. These are averages, not medians for a specific job. Our reference tables provide industry and state averages, but not a job median. For a job-specific median, you would need to consult a dedicated salary survey.

Using the Timesheet

Our the timesheet is the home page. Enter your base hourly rate, select the casual loading checkbox if applicable, and the timesheet will calculate your annual salary, fortnightly pay, estimated tax, and super. Remember that the result is an estimate. It assumes no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Always check your award or agreement for your exact entitlements.