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 full-time worker on a 38-hour week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. This gives your annual gross pay before tax and super. For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the annual gross is $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,245.44. Use our [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion) tool to see your own figures.

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

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission, currently $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. Award rates are higher minimums for specific industries and occupations, set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Most employees are covered by an award, so your minimum pay may be higher than the national minimum. Check the [pay guides](/blog) for your award. Casual employees also receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

How is superannuation calculated on top of my salary?

Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% for 2026–27, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on a $70,000 annual salary, your employer pays an extra $8,400 into your super fund. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to the employer. See [super and packaging](/topics/super-and-packaging) for more details.

How to Use a Salary Tax Calculator Australia: From Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

For a 38-hour week, annual gross pay is your hourly rate multiplied by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks per year.

Understanding Your Pay: Hourly to Annual Conversion

When you know your hourly rate, calculating your annual salary is straightforward. The standard formula used by the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Taxation Office is:

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

This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a full-time employee, the typical week is 38 hours. If you work a different pattern, adjust the hours accordingly. For example, a part-time worker on 20 hours per week would use 20 instead of 38.

The 38-Hour Week and the Fortnight

Most full-time awards and the National Minimum Wage are based on a 38-hour week. That means your weekly pay is your hourly rate multiplied by 38. To find your fortnightly pay, simply double the weekly amount. Many employers pay fortnightly, so knowing your fortnightly gross can help with budgeting. For instance, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the weekly gross is $1,004.90, and the fortnightly gross is $2,009.80.

Using a Salary Tax Calculator Australia

A salary tax calculator Australia helps you estimate your take-home pay after tax and Medicare. The Australian Taxation Office provides a gross pay estimator that works backwards from net pay, but for forward calculations you need the tax scales. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:

Nil 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

Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. The tax-free threshold is included. If you earn less than $18,200, you pay no tax. Our take-home pay tool applies these rates to your annual gross.

Distinguishing Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and Casual Loading

It’s important to know which minimum applies to you. The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, as set by the Fair Work Commission. However, most employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates for their industry or role. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides with the exact rates for each award. Award rates increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026.

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. This means the casual minimum is $33.05 per hour. When using our calculator, you can check the casual loading box to add 25% to your base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading; the tool adds it automatically.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Superannuation is an extra payment your employer makes into your super fund. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings for 2026–27, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your salary; it is paid on top. For example, if your annual gross is $80,000, your employer contributes an additional $9,600 to your super. This is separate from your take-home pay. Learn more about super and packaging.

Annualised Wages and Salaries

Some employers pay an annualised wage or salary that covers all entitlements like penalties, overtime, and allowances. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that an annualised wage must not be less than what the employee would have received under the award for the work performed. Employers must review the arrangement every 12 months to ensure compliance. If you are on a salary, your contract should specify which entitlements are included. Our calculator gives a base estimate; your actual pay may differ if you have an annualised arrangement.

Example: From Hourly to Annual

Let’s take a full-time employee on an award rate of $30.00 per hour. Using the formula:

Weekly: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly: $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual gross: $30.00 × 38 × 52 = $59,280.00

After tax (2026–27 rates) and Medicare, the estimated take-home pay is around $47,400 per year, or $911 per week. Super at 12% adds $7,113.60 on top.

Important Considerations

This calculator assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice.
Tax estimates use the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed.
HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included.
The result is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For a personalised calculation, start with our the timesheet tool. Enter your base hourly rate, select casual loading if applicable, and see your weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures. Then use the reference tables for award rates and tax brackets.

Summary

Converting your hourly rate to annual salary is simple: multiply by hours per week and 52 weeks. A salary tax calculator Australia helps you estimate tax and super. Remember the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, but your award may pay more. Casual workers get 25% loading. Super is 12% on top. Use our tools to plan your finances with confidence.