What is the National Minimum Wage for 2026–27?

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 an additional 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

What is the super guarantee rate and how does it affect annual pay?

The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. It is not deducted from your pay. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. For example, on a $100,000 salary, your employer contributes $12,000 in super.

Project Manager Salary Australia: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

Q: How is casual loading applied in the conversion?

Casual loading is 25% on top of the base hourly rate. When using our timesheet, check the casual loading box to add this automatically. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

For a project manager earning $60 per hour, the annual salary is about $118,560 based on a 38-hour week, before tax and super.

How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

If you are a project manager in Australia, understanding how your hourly rate translates into annual pay is essential for budgeting, negotiating, and comparing job offers. The formula is straightforward: multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52 weeks. This article explains the conversion, the assumptions behind it, and how the National Minimum Wage, award rates, casual loading, tax, and super fit into the picture.

The 38-Hour Week Assumption

Most full-time roles in Australia are based on a 38-hour week, as set by the Fair Work Act. When converting an hourly rate to annual salary, we assume 38 hours per week unless stated otherwise. For example, a project manager earning $60 per hour would have a weekly gross pay of $2,280 ($60 × 38) and an annual gross salary of $118,560 ($2,280 × 52). If you work part-time or different hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. This is the legal minimum for employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, many project managers are covered by awards such as the Professional Employees Award or the Clerks Award, which set higher minimum rates. Award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. To find the correct rate for your role, refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The minimum wage page also provides details on special rates for juniors, apprentices, and employees with disability.

Casual Loading and Super

If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of your base hourly rate. This compensates for lack of paid leave. When using our timesheet, check the casual loading box to add this automatically. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading. The casual rate for the National Minimum Wage is $33.05 per hour.

Superannuation (super) is paid on top of your salary by your employer. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a project manager earning $118,560 annually, the employer contributes an additional $14,227.20 in super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra benefit.

Tax and Medicare

Your annual gross salary is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. The tax rates are:

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

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. Using the example of $118,560, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $27,000, leaving a take-home pay of around $91,560. Use our take-home pay calculator for a more precise estimate.

Fortnightly and Weekly Breakdown

It can be helpful to see your pay on a fortnightly basis. Multiply your weekly gross by 2. For the $60/hour example, fortnightly gross is $4,560. After tax, you might take home about $3,520 per fortnight. This aligns with common pay cycles.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet allows you to enter your base hourly rate and, if applicable, check the casual loading box. It then calculates your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, along with estimated tax and super. Remember that the results are estimates and do not include penalty rates, allowances, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Always check your specific award or agreement for exact entitlements.

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.