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 weeks. For a standard full‑time week of 38 hours, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and super. If you work different hours, adjust the weekly figure accordingly.

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

Casual loading is an extra 25% on top of the base hourly rate, intended to compensate for not receiving paid leave. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour becomes $33.05 per hour for casual employees. Use the [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page to see how it applies to your award.

How is superannuation calculated and is it included in my hourly rate?

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross pay. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. It is not deducted from your hourly rate; your employer adds it separately. See [super and packaging](/topics/super-and-packaging) for more details.

Hourly to Annual Pay: Your Guide to Australian Wages and the NBA Minimum Salary

For a 38-hour week, annual pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52; the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week.

From Hourly to Annual: Understanding Your Pay in Australia

Whether you are negotiating a salary, comparing job offers, or simply curious about your annual earnings, converting an hourly rate to a yearly figure is a straightforward calculation. In Australia, the standard full‑time working week is 38 hours, and most pay calculations assume a 52‑week year. This guide explains the conversion, the role of the National Minimum Wage, award rates, casual loading, tax, and superannuation. We also touch on the NBA minimum salary – a term sometimes searched by those comparing global sports wages – and show how it relates to Australian pay standards.

The Basic Formula

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

For a full‑time employee working 38 hours each week:

Annual = hourly rate × 38 × 52
Weekly = hourly rate × 38
Fortnightly = weekly × 2

If you work part‑time or irregular hours, replace 38 with your actual weekly average. The hourly conversion page provides more examples.

The National Minimum Wage (2026–27)

From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week Fair Work Commission. This applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. For casual employees, a 25% loading is added, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

Award Wages and the NBA Minimum Salary

Most Australian employees are covered by an industry or occupation award, which sets minimum pay rates higher than the National Minimum Wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award [Fair Work Ombudsman. While the NBA minimum salary is a US benchmark for professional basketball players, Australian workers rely on the Fair Work system. For example, the National Minimum Wage is roughly equivalent to US$17.50 per hour (at current exchange rates), far below the NBA minimum. Understanding this context helps when comparing international pay scales.

Casual Loading and Fortnightly Pay

If you are a casual employee, your hourly rate includes a 25% loading. For the National Minimum Wage:

Base rate: $26.44/h
Casual rate: $33.05/h
Fortnightly (casual, 38h/week): $33.05 × 38 × 2 = $2,511.80

Always check whether your award specifies a different casual loading. Use the casual loading page for award‑specific details.

Tax and Medicare Levy

Your gross annual pay is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15¢ for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30¢ for each $1 over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37¢ for each $1 over $135,000
$190,001+: 45¢ for each $1 over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The take-home pay page includes an estimator.

Superannuation (Paid on Top)

Employers must contribute superannuation at 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is paid on top of your gross salary, not deducted from it. For example, on the National Minimum Wage ($26.44/h, 38h/week):

Annual ordinary earnings: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.40
Super contribution (12%): $6,270.53

Super does not appear on your payslip as income but is an important part of your total remuneration. See super and packaging for more.

Putting It All Together: Example

Assume you are a full‑time adult employee on the National Minimum Wage, working 38 hours per week.

Hourly rate: $26.44
Weekly: $1,004.90
Fortnightly: $2,009.80
Annual gross: $52,254.40
Estimated tax (2026–27, no other income): approximately $5,300 (including Medicare)
After‑tax weekly: about $870
Super (12% on top): $6,270.53 per year

If you are casual, the hourly rate becomes $33.05, giving:

Weekly: $1,255.90
Fortnightly: $2,511.80
Annual gross: $65,306.80

Important Notes

This conversion assumes the same 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 here.
HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted.

For a personalised estimate, use the timesheet on our home page. Enter your base hourly rate and check the casual loading box if applicable. The calculator will show your weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures, plus estimated tax and super.

Summary

Converting your hourly rate to annual pay is simple: hourly × hours per week × 52. For a 38‑hour week, that means hourly × 38 × 52. The National Minimum Wage sets the floor, but most workers should check their award rate. The NBA minimum salary is a useful international comparison, but in Australia, the Fair Work system governs your minimum entitlements. Always refer to official sources like the minimum wage and award pay guides to ensure compliance.