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

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time role, assume 38 hours per week. For example, $30 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $59,280 gross per year. This calculation assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or salary sacrifice. Super is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings.

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

Casual loading is an additional 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of leave entitlements. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour becomes $33.05 per hour with casual loading. When using our timesheet, check the casual loading box to add 25% on top of your base rate – never type a rate that already includes loading.

How does super guarantee work when I'm paid hourly?

Super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your gross pay. For a casual employee earning $33.05 per hour (including loading), the super contribution is calculated on that amount. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost for your employer.

Hourly to Annual Pay: Casual Loading, Super, and eml salary packaging Explained

For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52, with super paid on top.

Understanding Your Hourly to Annual Conversion

When you’re paid by the hour, converting your rate to an annual figure helps you compare job offers, budget, and plan for tax and super. The standard formula is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For full-time work, we assume 38 hours per week – the ordinary hours under the Fair Work Act. This article explains how casual loading, super guarantee, and options like eml salary packaging fit into the picture.

The Basic Formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. If you work 38 hours each week at $30 per hour, that’s $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. It’s a starting point for understanding your earnings.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Your fortnightly gross pay is simply your weekly pay multiplied by 2. Using the example above, weekly pay is $30 × 38 = $1,140, so fortnightly is $2,280. This can be useful for budgeting between paydays.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Many employees are covered by awards that set higher minimum rates for specific industries or roles. Always check the relevant award or agreement – the National Minimum Wage is a floor, not a target. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). This is an average, not a median for any particular job.

Casual Loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave (annual leave, sick leave). For example, the casual rate for the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. When using our timesheet, you type your base hourly rate and check the casual loading box to add 25% on top. Never type a rate that already includes casual loading – the calculator handles that for you.

Super Guarantee Paid on Top

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid by your employer on top of your gross pay. It is not deducted from your hourly rate. For a full-time employee earning $59,280 per year, the employer contributes an additional $7,113.60 in super (12% of $59,280), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Casual loading is part of ordinary earnings, so super is calculated on the loaded rate. This means your total remuneration (pay plus super) is higher than your gross salary.

Tax and Medicare

For the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil up to $18,200
15% from $18,201 to $45,000
30% from $45,001 to $135,000
37% from $135,001 to $190,000
45% above $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The tax-free threshold is included. Note that the Medicare levy reduction thresholds used here are from 2025–26 because 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed estimate.

How eml salary packaging Fits In

Salary packaging (also called salary sacrifice) allows you to pay for certain items (like a car or laptop) from pre-tax income, reducing your taxable income. When considering options such as eml salary packaging, remember that super guarantee is calculated on your ordinary earnings before any packaging arrangement. Packaging can lower your tax but may affect your super guarantee base if it reduces your ordinary time earnings. Always check with your employer or a financial adviser. Our super and packaging page has more details.

Putting It All Together

Let’s walk through an example. Suppose you are a casual employee with a base award rate of $28 per hour. With 25% casual loading, your effective hourly rate is $35. Working 38 hours per week:

Weekly gross: $35 × 38 = $1,330
Fortnightly gross: $1,330 × 2 = $2,660
Annual gross: $35 × 38 × 52 = $69,160
Super (12% on top): $8,299.20
Total remuneration: $77,459.20

Tax on $69,160 (2026–27):

First $18,200: $0
Next $26,800 (to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
Next $24,160 (to $69,160): 30% = $7,248
Total tax: $11,268
Medicare levy (2%): $1,383.20
Net tax: $12,651.20
Net annual pay: $69,160 – $12,651.20 = $56,508.80

This is an estimate. It does not include HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. For a more precise calculation, refer to the reference tables or speak to a tax professional.

Important Distinctions

National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hr) is the legal minimum for most employees not covered by an award.
Award rates are higher minima set by the Fair Work Ombudsman for specific industries.
Casual loading (25%) is added to the base rate, not included in it.
Super is paid on top of your gross earnings, not deducted from your pay.
eml salary packaging can reduce taxable income but does not change the super guarantee base.

Always check your pay slip and your award or agreement. Our pay guides and minimum wage pages have more information. Use the timesheet to try different rates and see the effect of casual loading.