What is the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply to award/agreement-free employees.

How is casual loading calculated?

Casual loading is an additional 25% on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if the base rate is $26.44, the casual rate is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive. The loading is paid on top of the base rate and is included in the hourly rate shown in pay guides.

What is the super guarantee rate for 2026–27?

The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. It applies up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on an annual salary of $80,000, the employer would contribute $9,600 in super. This is not deducted from your pay but added separately.

Patrick Murtagh Salary: Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay Under Australian Awards

Based on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, Patrick Murtagh's annual salary would be approximately $52,269 before tax and super.

Understanding Hourly to Annual Conversion

If you've searched for "Patrick Murtagh salary", you're likely trying to understand how an hourly rate translates to annual earnings under Australian workplace laws. The basic formula is simple: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. However, the result depends on whether you work full-time, part-time, or casually, and which award or agreement covers you.

The Basic Formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, this becomes hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the annual figure is $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44. This is before tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

Why 38 Hours Matters

The Fair Work Commission defines a standard full-time week as 38 hours for most awards. When you see a weekly rate like $1,004.90, it is based on 38 ordinary hours. If you work more or fewer hours, your annual pay will differ. Always check your award or agreement for your ordinary hours.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Your fortnightly gross pay is your weekly pay multiplied by 2. Using the National Minimum Wage example: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80 per fortnight. This can help you budget between paydays.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year after the Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour for award/agreement-free employees. Most employees are covered by a modern award, which may have higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, updated after the annual increase.

Current Rates from 1 July 2026

Award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. Always refer to the specific award for your classification.

Casual Loading

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. This loading is included in the hourly rate shown in pay guides. Never add casual loading to a rate that already includes it. Use our casual loading page for more details.

Tax and Medicare Levy

Once you have your annual gross figure, you need to estimate tax and the Medicare levy. The Australian Taxation Office provides the resident tax rates for 2026–27:

Nil on income up to $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

The Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For 2026–27, the single reduction thresholds are based on 2025–26 figures (as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed at the time of this estimate). If your income is below a certain threshold, the levy may be reduced or waived. Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation Guarantee

Employers must pay superannuation on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution to your super fund. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. For example, on an annual salary of $80,000, your employer would contribute $9,600 in super. See our super and packaging page for more.

Putting It All Together: Example for Patrick Murtagh

Let's assume Patrick Murtagh works full-time under a modern award with a base hourly rate of $30.00. His annual gross pay would be $30.00 × 38 × 52 = $59,280. After tax (using the 2026–27 scale) and Medicare levy (2%), his estimated take-home pay would be around $47,000 per year, depending on his tax offsets. His employer would also contribute $7,113.60 in super (12% of $59,280).

Step-by-Step Calculation

Hourly rate: $30.00
Weekly pay: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly pay: $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual gross: $1,140.00 × 52 = $59,280.00
Tax estimate: Use the ATO tax calculator or our hourly conversion tool.
Super: $59,280 × 12% = $7,113.60 (paid on top)

Remember, this is an estimate. Actual pay may vary due to overtime, allowances, penalty rates, or salary sacrifice. For a precise calculation, refer to your award and use the reference tables on this site.