How do I use a superannuation calculator salary tool correctly?

Enter your base ordinary time earnings (hourly or weekly) before super. Then apply the 12% super guarantee rate. The result shows the total employer cost. Ensure your base rate meets the legal minimum for your classification.

Can my pay be lower than the national minimum if I am a junior?

Yes, award-free juniors have specific percentage rates. For example, a 17-year-old receives 57.8% of the adult rate, which is $15.29 per hour as of 1 July 2026. Always check the applicable award or the junior rates table.

Does the super guarantee apply to all earnings?

The super guarantee applies to ordinary time earnings up to the maximum contribution base. Overtime, bonuses, and some allowances may not be ordinary time earnings. Check with the ATO or use a superannuation calculator salary tool that distinguishes ordinary time earnings.

Using a superannuation calculator salary check with the national minimum wage

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, with super guarantee of 12% on top.

Using a superannuation calculator salary check with the national minimum

If you are checking your pay with a superannuation calculator salary tool, you need to know the correct base salary or wage to calculate the 12% super guarantee. The super guarantee is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings, not deducted from your pay. This guide explains the legal minimum pay floor and how your rate compares.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. However, not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates may be paid less. For award-free juniors, percentages apply (e.g., under 16: $9.73 per hour). The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage; the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

How your rate compares with the floor

To use a superannuation calculator salary tool, enter your base hourly or weekly rate (excluding super). Then add 12% for super. If your base rate is below the national minimum, it may be unlawful unless an exception applies. Check if a modern award or enterprise agreement covers you – those can require a higher rate. The award backstop is $26.44 per hour for ongoing employees, with an introductory rate of $25.74 per hour for the first six months.

Survey averages and market rates

The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings average $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings $1,579.20 per week. These are survey averages, not legal minimums. A superannuation calculator salary tool that uses market averages may overestimate or underestimate your legal obligations. Always use your actual base pay, not an average.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

If you are covered by a modern award, the minimum rate in your classification may be higher than the national minimum. For example, award rates increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates. Use the Rate tables to find applicable award rates.

Negotiated salaries

Some employees negotiate a salary above the minimum. When using a superannuation calculator salary tool, include your negotiated base salary. Remember that super is calculated on ordinary time earnings, not on overtime or bonuses unless specified.

Super guarantee on top

The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer on top of your salary. For example, if your base hourly rate is $30.00, the employer must contribute an additional $3.60 per hour to super. A superannuation calculator salary tool should show the total cost to the employer including super.

Internal links

For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and How the figures work.