How does casual loading affect a team leader salary?

Casual loading is an extra 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for lack of paid leave. For a team leader on $35 per hour, the casual rate would be $43.75 per hour. This loading is not included in the base rate you enter on the timesheet; you tick the checkbox to add it. Super is then calculated on the ordinary earnings, which include the casual loading.

Is superannuation included in the hourly rate or paid on top?

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross pay. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings (including casual loading if applicable), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. So if your annual gross pay is $69,160, your employer would contribute an additional $8,299.20 in super, not deducted from your pay.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and award rates for a team leader?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. Award rates are higher and set by the Fair Work Commission for specific industries. A team leader salary is often above the minimum wage and may be covered by an award such as the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award. Always check the relevant award or your enterprise agreement for the correct minimum rate.

How to Convert Your Team Leader Salary from Hourly to Annual

For a team leader on $35 per hour, the annual gross pay is approximately $69,160 based on a 38-hour week, before casual loading and super.

Converting an Hourly Team Leader Salary to Annual

If you are paid by the hour or have a salary offer, knowing your annual gross pay helps you budget and compare jobs. The standard formula is simple: multiply your hourly rate by the hours you work each week, then by 52 weeks. For a full-time employee, the typical week is 38 hours, as set by the Fair Work Commission. This article explains the conversion, the role of casual loading, and how superannuation is paid on top.

The Basic Formula

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

For example, a team leader salary of $35 per hour working 38 hours a week gives:

$35 × 38 × 52 = $69,160 per year.

This is your gross income before tax and any deductions. If you work fewer or more hours, adjust the weekly figure. The the timesheet on this site lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual equivalent instantly.

Casual Loading Adds 25%

Many team leaders are employed casually, meaning they receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate instead of paid leave entitlements. The casual loading is not part of your base rate – you should never enter a rate that already includes it. On the timesheet, tick the casual loading checkbox to add 25% automatically.

For a team leader on $35 per hour, the casual rate becomes $43.75 per hour. The annual gross then jumps to:

$43.75 × 38 × 52 = $86,450.

This higher figure reflects the loading, but remember you do not get paid annual leave or sick leave as a casual.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Ordinary earnings include your base hourly rate and any casual loading, but not overtime or reimbursements.

Using the $35 per hour example (non-casual):

Annual gross: $69,160 Super (12%): $8,299.20 Total cost to employer: $77,459.20

If you are casual at $43.75 per hour:

Annual gross: $86,450 Super (12%): $10,374 Total cost to employer: $96,824

Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra contribution to your retirement fund.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, or $1,004.90 per week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour.

However, most team leaders are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. For example, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS) has specific classifications for team leaders. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that list the correct minimum rates for each award. Always check the award that applies to your role before relying on the National Minimum Wage.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

If you are paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly gross by 2. For a team leader on $35 per hour:

Weekly: $35 × 38 = $1,330 Fortnightly: $1,330 × 2 = $2,660

This helps with budgeting and comparing salary packages. The reference tables on this site show common conversions.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your annual gross is not what you take home. The Australian Taxation Office applies progressive tax rates for 2026–27:

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

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners).

For a team leader earning $69,160 per year:

Tax on first $18,200: $0 Tax on next $26,800 (to $45,000): $4,020 Tax on remaining $24,160 (to $69,160): $7,248 Total tax: $11,268 Medicare (2%): $1,383.20 Total deductions: $12,651.20 Estimated take-home pay: $56,508.80 per year, or $1,086.71 per week.

Use the take-home pay tool for a more detailed estimate.

When the Formula Assumes 38 Hours

This site assumes a 38-hour week for full-time work, as defined by the Fair Work Act. If you work part-time or irregular hours, enter your actual weekly hours on the the timesheet to get an accurate annual figure. The formula works for any number of hours.

Summary

To convert a team leader salary from hourly to annual:

Multiply your base hourly rate by weekly hours (usually 38) and by 52.
Add 25% casual loading if applicable.
Remember super is paid on top at 12%.
Check your award or agreement for correct minimum rates.
Deduct tax and Medicare to estimate take-home pay.

For more details on super and packaging, see super and packaging. For average earnings data, visit average pay.