What is the VPS4 salary range?

The VPS4 classification in the Victorian Public Service has multiple grades and steps, with rates set by the Victorian Government. The exact figure depends on the specific grade and any applicable enterprise agreement. This page does not provide a specific dollar amount; instead, it shows how to convert any hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures.

How does casual loading affect my VPS4 salary?

If you are employed as a casual VPS4 employee, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of your base hourly rate. For example, if your base rate is $45 per hour, the casual rate becomes $56.25 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that permanent employees receive. The loading is applied before calculating annual or fortnightly pay.

Understanding Your VPS4 Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion with Casual Loading and Super

Q: Is super included in the VPS4 salary figure?

No, superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year). For a VPS4 employee, your base salary or hourly rate does not include super; it is an additional contribution your employer makes.

For a VPS4 employee on a 38-hour week, your annual salary is your hourly rate multiplied by 1,976 hours (38 × 52), with casual loading and super paid on top.

Understanding Your VPS4 Salary and the National Minimum Wage

If you are a Victorian Public Service employee at the VPS4 classification, your pay is determined by the Victorian Government’s enterprise agreements, not by a modern award. However, the same principles for converting an hourly rate to an annual salary apply. The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, provides a baseline for all employees in the national system. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. For award-covered employees, the Modern Awards Pay Database contains the minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. VPS4 salaries are typically above these minimums, but understanding the conversion method helps you compare offers or calculate your take-home pay.

How to Convert an Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a 38-hour week, which is the ordinary full-time hours under the National Employment Standards. For a VPS4 employee earning, say, $45 per hour, the calculation would be:

Annual gross = $45 × 38 × 52 = $88,920
Weekly pay = $45 × 38 = $1,710
Fortnightly pay = $1,710 × 2 = $3,420

If you work fewer or more hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. This method assumes the same rate every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For casual employees, a 25% loading is added to the base hourly rate before this calculation.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual loading is an additional 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for entitlements like paid leave. For a VPS4 casual employee with a base rate of $45 per hour, the casual rate becomes $56.25 per hour. Using the formula:

Annual gross (casual) = $56.25 × 38 × 52 = $111,150
Fortnightly pay = $56.25 × 38 × 2 = $4,275

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For the example above, the employer would contribute an additional 12% of $88,920 (or $111,150 if casual) into your super fund, not included in the gross pay figures. This is separate from your salary.

Tax and Medicare

Your take-home pay depends on tax withheld and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,370 plus 45% of excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. The tax-free threshold is included. For a VPS4 employee earning $88,920 annually, the estimated tax would be approximately $16,296 plus Medicare of $1,778, leaving a take-home of about $70,846 per year (before any deductions). These are estimates only; your actual tax may vary based on your circumstances.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add the 25% casual loading. It then calculates your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, plus estimated super and tax. You can also explore pay guides for award rates or reference tables for more detailed conversions. Remember that super is paid on top of your ordinary earnings, and the calculator assumes a consistent 38-hour week without overtime or allowances.

Distinguishing Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage

It is important to note that the national minimum wage applies to award/agreement-free employees. If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum rate may be higher. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database provides the exact rates for each award classification. VPS4 employees are typically covered by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement, which sets rates above the national minimum. Always check your specific agreement for your correct hourly rate.

Final Notes

This guide provides a method for converting an hourly VPS4 salary to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. It assumes a 38-hour week, no unpaid overtime, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings paid on top. Tax estimates use the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. For personalised advice, consult a tax professional or the Australian Taxation Office.