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, we assume 38 hours per week. For example, $30 per hour × 38 × 52 = $59,280 per year before tax and super. This estimate does not include overtime, penalty rates, or allowances.

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. The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, so a casual worker gets $33.05 per hour. Our timesheet lets you check the box to add casual loading; do not type a rate that already includes it.

How does meals and entertainment salary packaging work?

Meals and entertainment salary packaging allows you to pay for certain food and entertainment expenses with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income. This can increase your take-home pay, but our calculator does not account for salary packaging. Always check with your employer or a tax professional for your specific situation.

Hourly to Annual Pay: State Differences and Meals and Entertainment Salary Packaging Explained

Using the formula hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks, the national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2083.70 per week, but state averages differ.

Understanding Hourly to Annual Conversion

When you have an hourly rate or a salary offer, the first step is to compare them on the same basis. The standard formula is:

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

We assume a 38-hour week, which is the full-time ordinary hours under the Fair Work Act. For example, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, giving $1004.90 per week and $52,254.80 per year (before tax). If you work casual hours, a 25% loading applies, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

This formula works for any hourly rate, but remember it assumes the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a more precise estimate, use the timesheet on our home page.

Award Rates vs. Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor, but many employees are covered by awards or enterprise agreements that set higher minimum rates. Award rates vary by industry and role. For example, a retail employee may have a higher base rate than the national minimum. Casual loading is always paid on top of the relevant base rate, not the minimum wage if the award rate is higher.

Our pay guides provide links to Fair Work Ombudsman resources for specific awards.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

Ordinary-time earnings—the pay for standard hours excluding overtime—differ across Australian states and territories. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, the national average for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2083.70 per week. However, this is a national average across all industries and states, not a median for any specific job. State averages can be higher or lower due to industry mix, cost of living, and local labour markets. For instance, mining-heavy states may have higher averages, while states with more retail or hospitality may be lower. The ABS does not publish state-level ordinary-time earnings in this release, but the differences are real. If you are comparing a job offer across states, consider the local average but remember it is not your job's median.

Our reference tables include national averages for various metrics.

Tax, Super, and Salary Packaging

Once you have your annual gross pay, you need to estimate tax and superannuation. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) resident tax rates for 2026–27 are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
$190,001+: 45%

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (single reduction thresholds from 2025–26 are used here as 2026–27 thresholds are not confirmed).

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. So if your annual gross is $60,000, your employer contributes an extra $7,200 to your super fund.

Meals and Entertainment Salary Packaging

Some employers offer salary packaging arrangements, such as meals and entertainment salary packaging. This allows you to allocate pre-tax income to cover eligible food and entertainment expenses, reducing your taxable income and increasing your take-home pay. However, our calculator does not account for salary packaging, nor for HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or other deductions. Always consult a tax professional for your individual situation.

For more on how salary packaging affects your pay, see our super and packaging topic.

Fortnightly Pay and Take-Home Estimates

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross, simply multiply your weekly pay by 2. For example, $1004.90 per week (minimum wage) gives $2009.80 per fortnight. After tax and Medicare, your take-home pay will be lower. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed breakdown.

Remember, the estimates here are based on standard assumptions. Your actual pay may differ due to overtime, penalties, allowances, or salary sacrifice. Always check your pay slip and consult the Fair Work Ombudsman if you have questions about your entitlements.

Summary of Key Points

Annual gross = hourly × hours per week × 52 (using 38 hours for full-time)
National Minimum Wage: $26.44/hour, casual $33.05/hour
Award rates may be higher; casual loading is 25% on top of the base rate
Super is 12% paid on top, up to the contribution cap
Tax rates and Medicare apply; salary packaging like meals and entertainment can reduce taxable income
State differences in ordinary-time earnings exist but are averages, not job medians

For a personalised calculation, visit the timesheet and enter your hourly rate. Our hourly conversion topic also provides more examples.