What is the NRLW salary and how is it determined?

The NRLW (National Rugby League Women's) salary is set by the Rugby League Players' Association and the NRL under a collective bargaining agreement. It is not a standard award rate, so the exact figures vary by season and player category. For general pay conversion, use the hourly rate multiplied by hours per week and 52 weeks. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for most industries, but NRLW players are covered by a specific agreement.

How do I convert an hourly NRLW salary to an annual figure?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52. For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, annual gross = hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, $30 per hour gives $59,280 per year. This assumes no unpaid overtime and the same rate every week. Use our [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion) tool for quick calculations.

What tax and super apply to an NRLW salary?

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Medicare levy is generally 2%. Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a detailed estimate, see our [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) page.

NRLW Salary: Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay and Understand Tax

For a full-time employee on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the annual gross pay is approximately $52,270 based on a 38-hour week, with super paid on top.

Understanding the NRLW Salary and Hourly Conversion

When you hear about an NRLW salary, it is typically quoted as an annual figure or a match payment. But if you are paid by the hour, or you want to compare offers, converting to an annual amount helps you see the full picture. This guide explains how to convert an hourly rate to annual pay, including the 38-hour week, fortnightly pay, tax, and super.

The Basic Formula

The standard conversion is:

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

We assume a 38-hour week because that is the ordinary hours for a full-time employee under the Fair Work Act. If you work different hours, adjust accordingly. For example, a casual employee might work fewer or more hours each week.

To find your fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Weekly pay is hourly rate × hours per week. So fortnightly = (hourly × hours per week) × 2.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, giving a weekly minimum of $1,004.90 and an annual gross of about $52,270. This is the base rate for award/agreement-free adult employees. Most workers are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates. For NRLW players, the salary is governed by a specific collective agreement, not the national minimum wage. You can check award rates using the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 × 1.25). When converting a casual NRLW salary, ensure you use the loaded rate if you are not entitled to paid leave. Our casual loading page explains how to apply it.

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross pay. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an annual salary of $52,270, super would be about $6,272 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution by your employer.

Tax and Medicare on Your Annual Figure

Once you have your annual gross, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

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

Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For a single person earning $52,270, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately $7,117, plus Medicare of $1,045. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Using Our Tools

Our the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It calculates weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading; use the checkbox instead.

For reference tables of minimum wages and award rates, see our reference tables. If you want to compare your NRLW salary to average earnings, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), which is about $108,352 annually.

Remember: 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. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For more details on super and salary packaging, visit our super and packaging page. To explore average pay across industries, see average pay.