How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52. For a standard full-time role, we assume 38 hours per week. For example, $26.44 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $52,269.44 per year. If you are casual, add 25% loading first, so $33.05 per hour × 38 × 52 = $65,336.80. Super is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12%.

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

Casual loading is an extra 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. It is not included in the base rate. For example, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, and the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. When using our timesheet tool, you enter the base rate and check the casual loading box to add the 25%.

Human Resources Salary: Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay with Casual Loading and Super

Q: Is superannuation included in my hourly rate?

No, superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee is 12% of your gross pay (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). It is not part of your hourly rate or salary; it is an additional contribution your employer makes to your super fund.

For a 38-hour week, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52, with super paid on top at 12%.

Understanding the Human Resources Salary Conversion

When evaluating a human resources salary offer or comparing job opportunities, it helps to convert an hourly rate to an annual figure. The standard formula is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a 38-hour week, which is the standard full-time week under many awards and the National Employment Standards. If you work different hours, adjust accordingly. For a fortnightly view, simply multiply your weekly pay by 2.

This conversion gives you the gross annual pay before tax and before super. It assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a more precise estimate, use our the timesheet tool where you can enter your base rate and add casual loading.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

Australia has a National Minimum Wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, the minimum is $26.44 per hour for employees 21 and over, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, most employees are covered by an award that may set higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, listing minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

For example, the Clerks Award covers many administrative and human resources roles. Always check the applicable award to find your correct minimum rate. If no award applies, the National Minimum Wage is the floor.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid sick leave or annual leave. This loading is not included in the base rate you enter. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 × 1.25).

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee is 12% of your gross pay (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). It is not part of your hourly rate or salary. For example, if your annual gross is $65,336.80 (casual rate), your employer contributes an additional $7,840.42 to your super fund.

Learn more about casual loading and super and packaging.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, 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. Use our take-home pay tool for a detailed estimate.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To get your fortnightly gross, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For example, if your weekly pay is $1,256.40 (casual rate), your fortnightly gross is $2,512.80. This helps with budgeting and comparing salary offers.

Example: Human Resources Salary Calculation

Suppose you are offered a human resources salary of $70,000 per year as a permanent employee. To find the equivalent hourly rate, divide by 52 weeks then by 38 hours: $70,000 ÷ 52 ÷ 38 = $35.43 per hour. If you were casual, you would need a base rate of $28.34 per hour ($35.43 ÷ 1.25) to reach the same annual pay after loading.

Alternatively, if you are paid $40 per hour as a casual HR assistant, your annual gross is $40 × 38 × 52 = $79,040. Plus super at 12% = $9,484.80 on top. Your fortnightly gross is $3,040.

For reference, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), which is about $54.83 per hour for 38 hours. This is a benchmark for senior roles.

Using the Timesheet Tool

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It calculates annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly figures, plus estimated tax and super. It is designed for quick comparisons, not a formal pay determination. Always refer to your award or agreement for exact entitlements.

Employers using annualised wage arrangements must ensure the annual salary covers all award entitlements, as explained by the Fair Work Ombudsman annualised wages page.

Important Notes

This conversion assumes a consistent 38-hour week with no unpaid overtime.
Penalty rates, allowances, and salary sacrifice are not included.
Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, capped at the maximum contribution base.
Tax estimates use the 2026–27 resident scale with full tax-free threshold; Medicare uses 2025–26 single reduction thresholds.
This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For more detailed information, see our minimum wage and average pay pages, or browse pay guides for award-specific rates.