Calculator guideHow the hourly to annual salary calculator works
The calculator multiplies your hourly rate by the hours you work each week and the weeks you're paid each year:
Annual salary = hourly rate × hours per week × weeks per year
Worked example: $35 an hour, full-time in Australia
- Standard full-time week in Australia: 38 hours
- Paid weeks: 52 (employees get paid annual leave, so all 52 weeks are paid)
- 35 × 38 × 52 = $69,160 a year before tax
That's about $5,763 a month, or $2,660 a fortnight, before tax.
Which weeks figure to use?
| Situation | Weeks to use |
| Full-time or part-time employee (paid leave) | 52 |
| Casual employee or contractor with 4 weeks off unpaid | 48 |
| Contractor who also allows for public holidays and sick days | about 46 |
Comparing a casual or contract rate with a salary
Casual employees in Australia usually receive a 25% casual loading instead of paid leave, so a $43.75 casual rate is roughly the same as a $35 permanent rate. Contractors also cover their own superannuation, insurance, equipment and unpaid time between jobs. A contract rate often needs to be 30–50% higher than an equivalent employee rate to come out even.
Superannuation
In Australia, employers must pay the Superannuation Guarantee on top of ordinary earnings, 12% from 1 July 2025. A $69,160 salary attracts about $8,300 a year in employer super. Check whether a job ad quotes the salary "plus super" or "including super".
Common mistakes
- Using 40 hours when the job is 38.
- Using 52 weeks for casual or contract work that doesn't pay leave.
- Comparing a before-tax salary with after-tax take-home pay.
How much is $30 an hour annually in Australia?
At 38 hours a week for 52 weeks, $59,280 a year before tax.
How many working hours are in a year?
For a 38-hour week, 1,976 hours a year (38 × 52), including paid leave.
How do I convert an annual salary to an hourly rate?
Divide by (hours per week × 52). For example, $80,000 ÷ 1,976 = $40.49 an hour.
Written by Sam Alex, civil engineer. About the author