What is a salary converter and how do I use it?

A salary converter is a tool that translates your pay between hourly, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and annual figures. You can use it to compare your gross pay against the national minimum wage, award rates, or average earnings. For example, if you earn $30 per hour, the converter shows that equals $1,140 per week (38 hours) or about $59,280 per year. You then check if that meets the minimum for your classification, including any casual loading or penalty rates.

Does the national minimum wage apply to everyone?

No. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only to employees not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Most employees are covered by an award, which sets higher minimum rates. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees with disability may have lower rates. Always check your award or agreement first using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

How does casual loading affect my pay?

Casual employees covered by the national minimum wage receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. Under most awards, casual loading is also 25% but may be included in an all‑inclusive rate. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. When using a salary converter, ensure you input your gross pay including loading to compare correctly.

How a Salary Converter Helps You Compare Your Pay with Australia's Minimum Wage

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for award-free employees, with casual loading of 25%.

How a salary converter helps you check your pay

A salary converter is a practical tool for understanding where your pay sits relative to Australia’s legal minimums. By converting your hourly, weekly, or annual salary into a common format, you can quickly see whether you are being paid at least the national minimum wage, the relevant award rate, or the average earnings for your industry. This guide explains the key pay floors and how to use a salary converter to make sense of them.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and award rates

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage for adult employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours, as set by the Fair Work Commission. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour. However, most Australian employees are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates for their industry or occupation. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum. Introductory rates for the first six months of employment cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Award-free juniors (under 21) have special national minimum wages based on age percentages. For example, a 17‑year‑old award‑free employee must be paid at least $15.29 per hour (57.8% of the adult rate), or $19.11 per hour as a casual. Apprentices and trainees follow rates under the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool to check the exact rate for your award and classification.

Beyond the minimum: averages and negotiated salaries

The legal minimum is a floor, not a target. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, while all employees (including part‑time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week. These figures include overtime, bonuses, and other payments. A salary converter can help you see how your pay compares with these averages, but remember that averages can be skewed by high earners. Your actual pay should reflect your skills, experience, and the market rate for your role.

Enterprise agreements can set different pay rates, but they must not undercut the relevant award. If you are covered by an agreement, check its terms for the minimum pay rates. Negotiated salaries above the award are common, especially for skilled positions.

Superannuation: an extra on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid at the same time as wages (payday super). So if your salary is $26.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute $3.17 per hour to your super fund. A salary converter typically shows gross pay before super; you need to add the 12% separately to see total remuneration.

Using the salary converter on this site

Our Rate tables provide current minimum wages for awards and the national minimum, including casual loading and junior percentages. The Guides explain how to apply penalty rates, allowances, and super. You can use the salary converter to input your own figures and compare them against these benchmarks. Remember that this site provides orientation only – it is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman or Fair Work Commission for authoritative information.

Key points to remember

The national minimum wage applies only to award‑free employees. Most workers have a higher award rate.
Casual loading is 25% on top of the base rate for award‑free employees; award casual loadings may vary.
Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have lower minimum rates.
Super is paid on top of your salary at 12%.
A salary converter helps you compare your gross pay with these figures, but always check your specific award or agreement.