How is casual loading calculated and does super apply to it?

Casual loading is 25% on top of the base hourly rate, as set by the Fair Work Commission. For example, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour becomes $33.05 per hour with loading. Super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on the total ordinary earnings, including the casual loading, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. So if you earn $33.05 per hour for 38 hours a week, super is calculated on that amount.

What is nfp salary packaging and how does it affect my take-home pay?

NFP salary packaging allows employees of not-for-profit organisations to sacrifice part of their pre-tax salary for benefits like rent, mortgage, or living expenses, reducing their taxable income. This can increase take-home pay, but it is not included in the simple hourly-to-annual estimate here. For a personalised calculation, consult your employer or a tax professional. The Australian Taxation Office sets the rules for salary packaging.

How do I convert my hourly rate to a fortnightly amount?

Multiply your hourly rate by hours per week (usually 38) and then by 2 for a fortnight. For example, $30 per hour × 38 hours × 2 = $2,280 gross per fortnight. If you have casual loading, add 25% first: $30 × 1.25 = $37.50 per hour, then $37.50 × 38 × 2 = $2,850 gross per fortnight. Super is paid on top of these amounts.

Hourly to Annual Pay Calculator: Casual Loading, Super, and NFP Salary Packaging Explained

For a 38-hour week, annual gross is hourly rate × 38 × 52; casual loading adds 25% and super is 12% on top.

How to Convert Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

When you know your hourly rate, the standard way to estimate your annual gross pay is to multiply that rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks in a year. For most full-time employees in Australia, the typical week is 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Ombudsman. So the formula is:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × 38 × 52

This gives you a quick estimate, but it assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. It also does not include superannuation, which is paid on top of your ordinary earnings.

Why 38 Hours?

The 38-hour week is the standard full-time week under the National Employment Standards. Many awards and agreements use this as the base. If you work a different number of hours, simply replace 38 with your actual weekly hours. For part-time or casual workers, your hours may vary, so the estimate becomes less precise.

Including Casual Loading

If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a casual loading of 25% on top of the base hourly rate. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. The Fair Work Commission sets the loading. For example, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for permanent employees. With casual loading, it becomes $33.05 per hour. When using the timesheet, you can check a box to add 25% casual loading. Never type a rate that already includes casual loading – always enter the base rate, then apply the loading separately.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Super guarantee is currently 11.5% and will rise to 12% from 1 July 2026. It is calculated on your ordinary earnings – the gross amount you earn for your ordinary hours, including any casual loading. Super is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. For example, if your annual gross is $50,000, your employer must contribute an additional $6,000 (at 12%) into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This means your total remuneration is higher than your salary alone.

The Fortnightly View

Many Australians are paid fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross, multiply your weekly gross by 2. For a 38-hour week at $30 per hour (casual loading included), your weekly gross is $30 × 38 = $1,140, so fortnightly is $2,280. Adding super at 12% gives an extra $273.60 per fortnight, but that goes into your super account, not your bank.

Distinguishing Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and Casual Loading

National Minimum Wage: The legal minimum for employees not covered by an award or agreement. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour for permanent employees, $33.05 per hour for casuals (including loading).
Award Rates: Many industries have specific awards that set higher minimum rates. Check your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Casual Loading: Always 25% on top of the base rate, unless an award specifies a different amount. The loading is part of your ordinary earnings for super purposes.
Super: Paid on top of your gross earnings, not included in the hourly rate. The Australian Taxation Office requires employers to pay super at least quarterly.

How NFP Salary Packaging Fits In

If you work for a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, you may be able to use nfp salary packaging to reduce your taxable income. This allows you to sacrifice part of your pre-tax salary for benefits such as rent, mortgage payments, or living expenses. The Australian Taxation Office caps the amount you can package. While this article focuses on the simple hourly-to-annual conversion, nfp salary packaging can significantly increase your take-home pay. For a more detailed explanation, see our page on super and packaging. Remember that the simple estimate here does not account for salary packaging.

Tax and Medicare

Once you have your annual gross, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates: 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, and 45% above $190,000. Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income, with reductions for low-income earners (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 were not confirmed). This estimate does not include HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. For a full picture, use our take-home pay guide.

Using the Timesheet

Our the timesheet, which is the home page, lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It then calculates annual gross, fortnightly gross, and provides an estimate of tax and super. Remember that super is paid on top and is not deducted from your pay. The timesheet assumes a 38-hour week unless you change it.

Important Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It 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 is 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. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.