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

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week (typically 38 for full-time) and then by 52 weeks. This gives your gross annual salary before super. To get the salary inclusive of superannuation, add 12% super on top. For example, $30 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $59,280 gross. Including super at 12% ($7,113.60) gives a total package of $66,393.60.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates?

The National Minimum Wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is the minimum pay rate for employees not covered by an award or agreement. From 1 July 2026 it is $26.44 per hour for full-time and part-time workers. Award rates are higher minimums for specific industries or occupations, set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Many awards also include casual loading of 25% on top of the base rate.

How does superannuation affect my take-home pay?

Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings, currently at 12% of your gross salary (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). It does not reduce your take-home pay because it is an additional contribution. However, when comparing job offers, consider the salary inclusive of superannuation to understand the total cost to the employer.

Convert Your Hourly Rate to a Salary Inclusive of Superannuation: A Guide for Australian Workers

To estimate your annual salary inclusive of superannuation, multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours per week and then by 52 weeks, then add 12% super on top.

Understanding Your Hourly Rate and Annual Salary

When you're offered an hourly rate or a salary, it's helpful to know what that means in annual terms. In Australia, the standard full-time working week is 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Ombudsman. To convert your hourly rate to an annual salary, use this formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks = annual gross salary

For example, if you earn $30 per hour and work 38 hours each week, your annual gross salary is $30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280. This is your base pay before tax and superannuation.

Salary Inclusive of Superannuation

Employers often advertise a salary inclusive of superannuation, which means the total package includes the 12% super guarantee contribution paid on top of your ordinary earnings. To calculate this, add 12% to your gross annual salary. Using the example above, $59,280 × 12% = $7,113.60 in super, giving a total package of $66,393.60. Always check whether a quoted salary includes super or is base salary only.

National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the minimum is $26.44 per hour for full-time and part-time employees, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual workers receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. However, most employees are covered by an award or registered agreement that sets higher minimum rates for their industry or role. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each award.

Casual loading is paid on top of the base hourly rate and is intended to compensate for the lack of paid leave. When using the timesheet on this site, you can check a box to add 25% casual loading to your base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading; let the tool add it for you.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

While the National Minimum Wage applies across Australia, average ordinary-time earnings vary by state and territory. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings data for May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings nationally were $2,083.70 per week. However, state breakdowns show differences: the Australian Capital Territory typically has the highest average, while Tasmania often has the lowest. For example, a full-time worker in the ACT might earn around $2,300 per week, while in Tasmania the figure could be closer to $1,900. These averages include both award and above-award pay. If you want to compare your pay to state averages, refer to the ABS or reference tables on this site.

Fortnightly Pay

Many Australian employers pay fortnightly. To estimate your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For a $30 per hour rate at 38 hours per week, weekly pay is $1,140, so fortnightly pay is $2,280 before tax and super. Super is calculated on your ordinary earnings each pay period.

Tax and Medicare Levy

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) applies a progressive tax scale for residents in 2026–27:

Nil tax 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

Additionally, most residents pay a Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. The tax-free threshold reduces the amount of tax withheld, but you must claim it with your employer. The estimates on this site use the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds for Medicare because the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. For a more accurate calculation, use the ATO's tax estimator.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Super guarantee is currently 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year, meaning super is not required on earnings above that amount. Super does not reduce your take-home pay; it is an additional benefit. When comparing job offers, consider the salary inclusive of superannuation to see the total cost to the employer and the value of your package.

Important Notes

This conversion assumes you work the same hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. It is an estimate, not a determination of your actual pay or tax. For personalised advice, consult a qualified professional.

For more information, see the minimum wage page or learn about take-home pay.