Note: These figures represent Gross Income before tax. The "Annual" figure is based on a 52-week year. Superannuation is calculated on top of the hourly rate unless your contract specifies it is "inclusive of super."
How to Calculate Your Hourly Pay in Australia
Whether you are starting a new job, negotiating a raise, or transitioning from casual to full-time work, understanding how your hourly rate translates into a weekly or annual salary is essential. In Australia, employment contracts typically specify either an annual salary or an hourly rate.
The Math Behind the Conversion
To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary in Australia, the standard formula uses a 52-week year. For most full-time workers, a standard week consists of 38 hours.
Weekly Pay: Hourly Rate × Hours per Week
Fortnightly Pay: Weekly Pay × 2
Annual Salary: Weekly Pay × 52
Monthly Pay: Annual Salary ÷ 12
Superannuation: The 11.5% Rule
In Australia, employers are required by law to pay Super Guarantee (SG) contributions into your retirement fund. As of July 1, 2024, the rate is 11.5%. When looking at your hourly rate, check if it is "Plus Super" (meaning you get the 11.5% on top) or "Inclusive of Super" (meaning a portion of that hourly rate is redirected to your fund).
Example Calculation
If you earn $45.00 per hour and work a standard 38-hour week:
Weekly Gross: $45 × 38 = $1,710.00
Annual Gross: $1,710 × 52 = $88,920.00
Annual Super (11.5%): $88,920 × 0.115 = $10,225.80
Total Package: $99,145.80
Casual vs. Permanent Rates
Casual employees in Australia generally receive a "Casual Loading" (usually 25%) on top of the base hourly rate. This is designed to compensate for the lack of paid leave (sick leave and annual leave) and job security. If you are comparing a casual role to a permanent one, remember to factor in this 25% difference.
function calculateAustralianPay() {
var hourlyRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hourlyRate').value);
var hoursPerWeek = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hoursPerWeek').value);
var superRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('superRate').value);
if (isNaN(hourlyRate) || isNaN(hoursPerWeek) || hourlyRate <= 0 || hoursPerWeek <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for hourly rate and hours per week.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(superRate)) {
superRate = 0;
}
// Calculations
var weeklyGross = hourlyRate * hoursPerWeek;
var fortnightlyGross = weeklyGross * 2;
var annualGross = weeklyGross * 52;
var monthlyGross = annualGross / 12;
var sPerc = superRate / 100;
var weeklySuper = weeklyGross * sPerc;
var fortnightlySuper = fortnightlyGross * sPerc;
var annualSuper = annualGross * sPerc;
var monthlySuper = monthlyGross * sPerc;
// Display results
document.getElementById('resWeekly').innerHTML = "$" + weeklyGross.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resFortnightly').innerHTML = "$" + fortnightlyGross.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resMonthly').innerHTML = "$" + monthlyGross.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resAnnual').innerHTML = "$" + annualGross.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resWeeklySuper').innerHTML = "$" + weeklySuper.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resFortnightlySuper').innerHTML = "$" + fortnightlySuper.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resMonthlySuper').innerHTML = "$" + monthlySuper.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resAnnualSuper').innerHTML = "$" + annualSuper.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'block';
}