What is the difference between salary inclusive of super and base salary?

Salary inclusive of super means the total cost to your employer, including the 12% super guarantee. Base salary is the cash amount you receive before super is added. The legal minimum wage is a base rate; super is paid on top.

Can my employer include super in the hourly rate to meet the minimum wage?

No. The national minimum wage and award rates are base rates exclusive of super. Your employer must pay at least the minimum base rate and then contribute super on top. Including super in the hourly rate would underpay the legal minimum.

How to Use a Salary Inclusive of Super Calculator to Check Your Hourly Rate Against the Minimum Wage

Q: How do I use a salary inclusive of super calculator to check my pay?

Enter your total annual salary (including super) and divide by your ordinary hours to get an hourly figure. Then subtract the super component (divide by 1.12) to find your base hourly rate. Compare that base rate to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or your applicable award rate.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, with super guarantee of 12% paid on top; award-free adult employees must receive at least this base rate.

Using a Salary Inclusive of Super Calculator to Understand Your Pay

When you see a job advertisement quoting a "salary inclusive of super", it can be confusing to work out whether you are being paid at least the legal minimum. A salary inclusive of super calculator helps you break down the total package into its components: the cash wage you receive and the super guarantee your employer pays on top. This guide explains how to use such a calculator to check your hourly rate against Australia’s pay floors.

The Legal Minimum: Base Rate Only

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for adult award-free employees. This is a base rate. The super guarantee of 12% is paid on top of this base rate. For a full‑time worker on a 38‑hour week, the weekly minimum is $1,004.90. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

Importantly, the legal minimum is not a total package figure. When you use a salary inclusive of super calculator, you must separate the super component to compare your base rate against the legal floor. For example, if your total hourly cost to the employer is $29.61 (including super), your base rate is $26.44 – exactly the minimum. If the total is lower, your base rate may be below the legal minimum.

How to Use the Calculator

Enter your total annual salary (the figure that includes super).
Divide by your ordinary hours (typically 38 per week × 52 weeks = 1,976 hours). This gives your total hourly cost.
Remove the super component: divide the total hourly cost by 1.12. The result is your base hourly rate.
Compare your base rate to the national minimum wage ($26.44) or your award rate if you are covered by a modern award.

If your base rate is below $26.44 and you are an adult award‑free employee, you are likely being underpaid. Check whether a modern award applies to your industry or role – awards often set higher minimum rates.

Award and Agreement Rates Can Be Higher

Many employees are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. Award rates from 1 July 2026 rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum. Introductory rates (first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour. If your award rate is higher than the national minimum, your employer must pay that higher rate. A salary inclusive of super calculator can help you verify that the total package meets the award’s base rate plus super.

Juniors, Apprentices, and Supported Wages

Not every worker receives $26.44 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) have percentage‑based minimums – for example, a 17‑year‑old award‑free junior earns $15.29 per hour base. Apprentices and trainees follow rates in the Miscellaneous Award. Supported wages for employees with disability may also be lower. Always check your specific category before using a calculator.

Comparing to Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that in May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and all employees’ average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. Converted to an hourly rate (based on 38 hours), that is about $41.56 per hour – well above the minimum. However, averages include overtime, bonuses, and higher‑paid roles. Your own rate may differ.

Key Points to Remember

The national minimum wage is a base rate – super is extra.
A salary inclusive of super calculator shows the total cost, but you must isolate the base to check legality.
Modern awards and enterprise agreements can set higher minimums.
Junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates are lower than the adult minimum.
For more details on which minimum applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies or browse our Guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the FAQs above for answers to common questions about salary inclusive of super calculators and minimum wage compliance.

This guide is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional for your specific situation.