How do I convert my hourly rate to an annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then multiply by 52 weeks. For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your gross annual pay before tax and super. Our salary estimator on the timesheet page does this calculation for you, including options for casual loading.

What is the National Minimum Wage in Australia for 2026-27?

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week for 38 hours of work. This rate applies to award/agreement-free adult employees. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual minimum rate $33.05 per hour. These figures are set by the Fair Work Commission.

How does casual loading affect my pay and super?

Casual loading is an extra 25% on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. For example, the National Minimum Wage casual rate is $33.05 per hour. Superannuation is calculated on your ordinary earnings, which includes the casual loading. So your employer pays 12% super on top of your gross casual pay, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year.

Salary Estimator: Convert Hourly Rate to Annual Pay (National Minimum Wage vs Award)

Based on a 38-hour week, the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour equals $1004.90 per week and $52,254.80 per year before tax and super.

How the Salary Estimator Works

Our salary estimator helps you turn an hourly rate into annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. The basic formula is straightforward: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a standard full-time week, we assume 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Commission. This gives your gross annual income before tax and super.

You can also see your fortnightly pay (weekly × 2) and your weekly pay. The calculator on the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading – use the checkbox instead.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1004.90 per week. This applies to employees not covered by an award or agreement. Most workers, however, are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates for their industry and role. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, which include classification-specific rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

For example, the Health Services Award and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) have recently updated their minimum rates. Always check the relevant pay guide if you are award-covered, as your minimum pay may be higher than the national minimum.

Casual Loading

Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour. The loading is part of your ordinary earnings, so super is calculated on the loaded rate. Our casual loading page explains how this affects your take-home pay and super.

Estimating Your Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross pay:

Full-time (38 hours): hourly rate × 38 × 52
Part-time: hourly rate × your usual weekly hours × 52
Casual: (hourly rate × 1.25) × hours per week × 52

Remember, this assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. It is an estimate, not a determination of your actual pay.

Tax and Super in the Salary Estimator

Our take-home pay calculator uses the 2026-27 resident tax rates from the Australian Taxation Office:

Nil tax 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

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (using 2025-26 single reduction thresholds as 2026-27 thresholds were not confirmed). The estimator does not deduct HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.

Superannuation is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your gross pay. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year – super is not paid on earnings above that cap. You can read more on super and packaging.

Example: National Minimum Wage

For a full-time adult employee earning the National Minimum Wage:

Hourly rate: $26.44
Weekly pay (38 hours): $1004.90
Fortnightly pay: $2009.80
Annual gross: $52,254.80
Super (12% on top): $6270.58
Estimated tax (including Medicare): approximately $6,788 (based on 2026-27 rates)
Estimated take-home: about $45,467 per year

Example: Award Rate (e.g., Level 1 in an award)

Suppose your award rate is $28.00 per hour for a 38-hour week. Then:

Weekly: $1064.00
Annual: $55,328.00
Super: $6639.36

Award rates often include higher penalties for weekends, evenings, or overtime, which the salary estimator does not capture. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool for precise calculations.

Using the Salary Estimator Responsibly

Our salary estimator is a guide. Always refer to your award or enterprise agreement for your actual minimum entitlements. The minimum wage page has the latest official rates. For tax, use the ATO’s gross pay estimator for more detailed calculations, especially if you have deductions or variations.

Key Assumptions

38-hour week unless you enter a different number
Same rate every week, no unpaid overtime
No penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice
Super at 12% of ordinary earnings, capped at $270,830
Tax based on 2026-27 resident rates with full tax-free threshold
Medicare levy included at 2%