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

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52. For a standard 38-hour week, use hourly × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and super. For a fortnightly figure, multiply the weekly amount by 2.

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

Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 becomes $33.05 per hour. When converting to annual, use the loaded rate in the formula. Our [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page explains more.

How is tax calculated on my annual salary?

For 2026-27, resident tax rates are: nil on first $18,200, 15% on $18,201–$45,000, 30% on $45,001–$135,000, 37% on $135,001–$190,000, 45% above $190,000. Plus 2% Medicare levy. Apply these brackets to your gross annual income. See our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) guide for a detailed breakdown.

Hays Salary Guide 2026: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay in Australia

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

Converting Hourly to Annual: The Basic Formula

To estimate your annual gross pay from an hourly rate, use this simple formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. The standard full-time week in Australia is 38 hours, as set by the Fair Work Commission. For example, if you earn $30 per hour and work 38 hours each week, your annual gross pay would be $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280.

If you prefer a fortnightly view, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Weekly pay is hourly rate × 38 (or your usual weekly hours). A fortnightly figure helps with budgeting when you receive pay every two weeks.

Understanding the National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours, according to the Fair Work Commission. This is the base rate for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement. Most employees, however, are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Always check the specific award for your industry using the pay guides or our reference tables.

Enterprise agreements may set different rates, but they cannot be less than the relevant award. The National Minimum Wage also applies to award/agreement-free employees. Special rates exist for juniors, apprentices, and employees with disability.

Casual Loading and Its Impact

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, this means $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. When converting to annual pay, use the loaded rate in the formula. For example, a casual on the minimum wage working 38 hours weekly would have an annual gross of $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,306.80. Our casual loading page explains how this interacts with awards.

Using the Hays Salary Guide 2026 for Market Comparisons

The Hays Salary Guide 2026 provides typical salary ranges for over 1,000 roles across 25 industries in Australia. While it is a useful tool for understanding market rates, it reflects survey data and may not match the minimum legal entitlements. For official minimum and award rates, always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission. The Hays Salary Checker can help you see where your current pay sits relative to others in your role and location, but for converting your hourly rate to annual, stick with the formula above. Remember that the Hays guide is a benchmark, not a legal requirement.

Estimating Your Take-Home Pay: Tax and Medicare

Once you have your annual gross figure, you can estimate your after-tax income using the 2026-27 resident tax rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

In addition, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. There is no tax-free threshold for non-residents. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) administers these rates. Our take-home pay guide walks through an example calculation. Note that this estimate does not include the Medicare levy surcharge, HELP repayments, or salary packaging, which can affect your actual tax.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This means if your annual gross is $80,000, your employer contributes an additional $9,600 to your super fund. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra cost for the employer. For more details, see our super and packaging page.

Important Assumptions and Limitations

The annual pay figure calculated here is an estimate. It assumes the same hourly rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026-27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025-26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026-27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. For personalised advice, consult a qualified accountant or the ATO.

Use our hourly conversion tool to quickly run the numbers for your own rate. And if you're looking at job offers, the job pay page can help you compare offers against market data.