Minimum Wage Aus: Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Salary with Tax and Super
For a full-time worker on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the annual gross salary is approximately $52,255 based on 38 hours per week for 52 weeks.
Understanding the Minimum Wage Aus and Your Annual Pay
When you’re working out your annual pay from an hourly rate, the key formula is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. This gives your gross annual salary before tax, super, and any deductions. For a full-time employee, we assume a standard 38-hour week, as set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The minimum wage aus for 2026-27 is $26.44 per hour, which means a full-time worker earns $1,004.90 per week and $52,254.80 per year (gross).
The National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates
The National Minimum Wage, determined by the Fair Work Commission, is the legal floor. Many employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that pays more. For example, the Hospitality Award or the General Retail Industry Award often have higher base rates. If you’re a casual worker, you receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate – so the minimum wage aus casual rate is $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. Our the timesheet calculator lets you check a box to add casual loading automatically, but never enter a rate that already includes it.
From Hourly to Fortnightly and Annual
If you’re paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by two. For the minimum wage aus full-time worker, that’s $2,009.80 gross per fortnight. Annual pay is simply weekly pay × 52. This calculation assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a more precise estimate, you can use our reference tables to see how different hourly rates convert.
Superannuation: Paid on Top
Super guarantee is currently 12% of your ordinary earnings, and it’s paid by your employer on top of your salary. So if your annual gross is $52,254.80, your employer contributes an extra $6,270.58 to your super fund (up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base). Super is not deducted from your pay; it’s an additional benefit. For more details, see our guide on super and packaging.
Tax and the Medicare Levy
Your gross annual salary is taxed using the 2026-27 resident tax rates:
- $0 – $18,200: nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15% on the excess over $18,200
- $45,001 – $135,000: 30% on the excess over $45,000
- $135,001 – $190,000: 37% on the excess over $135,000
- $190,001 and above: 45% on the excess over $190,000
In addition, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For the minimum wage aus earner ($52,254.80), the tax calculation is:
- First $18,200: $0
- Next $26,800 (up to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
- Remaining $7,254.80: 30% = $2,176.44
- Total tax: $6,196.44
- Medicare levy: 2% of $52,254.80 = $1,045.10 (note: the 2025-26 single reduction thresholds apply here as the 2026-27 thresholds were not confirmed)
- Total deductions: $7,241.54
- Estimated take-home pay: $45,013.26 per year, or about $865.64 per week.
This is an estimate only. It does not include HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. For a more personalised calculation, visit our take-home pay page.
Using the Timesheet Calculator
Our the timesheet tool is the easiest way to convert your own hourly rate. Simply enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading), then check the casual loading box if applicable. The calculator will show your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, plus an estimate of tax, Medicare, and super. Remember that the results are based on the assumptions above and should be used as a guide, not a definitive determination of your pay or tax obligations.
Key Points to Remember
- The minimum wage aus is $26.44 per hour for permanent employees and $33.05 for casuals.
- Annual gross = hourly × hours per week × 52. We assume 38 hours for full-time.
- Super is 12% on top of your ordinary earnings, not deducted from your pay.
- Tax and Medicare are deducted from your gross pay to give take-home pay.
- Award rates may be higher than the National Minimum Wage – check your award or agreement.
For more information on award rates and classifications, see our pay guides and job pay pages. If you’re comparing salaries, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026 – that’s an average, not a median for any specific job. Always refer to your specific industry or role for accurate benchmarks.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.