How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary using your calculator?

Enter your base hourly rate (before any casual loading). The calculator multiplies it by the hours you work per week (default 38) and then by 52 weeks to give an annual gross figure. It also shows fortnightly pay (weekly × 2). If you select the casual loading checkbox, 25% is added to your hourly rate before the calculation. The result is an estimate; it assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates.

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

Casual employees under the national system are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour from 1 July 2026. Our calculator adds this loading only when you check the box – never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Does the calculator include superannuation and tax?

Superannuation is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your gross pay, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Tax is estimated using the 2026–27 resident tax scales (nil up to $18,200, then 15%, 30%, 37%, 45%) plus the 2% Medicare levy (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds). HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. The result is an estimate only.

Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay: National Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and the NRL Salary Cap 2026

For a 38-hour week, annual gross pay is your hourly rate multiplied by 38 hours then by 52 weeks.

Understanding your hourly to annual conversion

Our hourly conversion tool helps you turn an hourly rate into an annual salary, a fortnightly amount, or a weekly figure. The standard formula is:

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

We assume a 38-hour week, which is the ordinary hours for the National Minimum Wage and most awards. If you work different hours, you can adjust the weekly hours in the calculator. The fortnightly amount is simply your weekly pay multiplied by 2.

This method gives a base-line estimate. It does not include overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. For a more tailored picture, check your award or agreement.

The National Minimum Wage and award rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage set by the Fair Work Commission is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. This is the minimum for award/agreement-free adult employees. Most employees are covered by a modern award, which may have higher minimum rates and additional penalty rates. You can find the correct rates in the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Award rates often differ by classification. For example, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award has staged increases from 1 December 2026. Always check the applicable award for your job.

Casual loading and superannuation

If you are a casual employee, your base hourly rate is increased by 25% (the casual loading) before the annual calculation. Our calculator has a checkbox to add this loading – never enter a rate that already includes casual loading. Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution from your employer.

Average earnings and the NRL salary cap 2026

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) for full-time adult ordinary time at $2,083.70 per week. That equates to roughly $108,352 per year (using 52 weeks). For all employees (including part-time), the average is $1,579.20 per week.

By contrast, the NRL salary cap 2026 is a separate benchmark used in professional rugby league. It sets the maximum total player payments for each club. The NRL salary cap 2026 figure is not calculated by our tool – it is determined by the NRL and is not directly comparable to ordinary-time earnings. Our calculator focuses on standard employment pay, not sports contracts.

Tax and Medicare

Your annual gross pay is then used to estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The calculator uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. The result is an estimate only.

Using the calculator

Start at the timesheet, enter your base hourly rate, select your weekly hours (default 38), and choose casual loading if applicable. The calculator shows your annual, fortnightly, and weekly gross pay, plus estimated super and tax. It is a guide – always consult a qualified professional for binding advice.

For more on minimum wages, see our minimum wage page. For take-home pay estimates, visit take-home pay.