What an Australian salary really costs the employer
Superannuation guarantee, annual leave loading, payroll tax for your state and workers' compensation, added to base salary, with the effective hourly cost of a worked hour.
The employee
The sums happen on this page, and nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
An estimate from your own numbers, not a quote.
The method
Rates are the published 2025–26 figures. Award-specific allowances, penalty rates and long service leave are not included.
Leave loading
Weekly salary × 4 weeks × 17.5%.
Superannuation
(Salary + leave loading) × the super guarantee rate. Leave loading is treated as ordinary time earnings, the common position.
Payroll tax and workers' comp
Payroll tax at your state's rate on salary plus super, only if your total wages exceed the threshold. Workers' compensation at the premium you enter.
Cost per worked hour
Total cost ÷ (weekly hours × 48 weeks), allowing for four weeks' annual leave.
About this tool
An estimate from your own numbers, not a quote or advice. Rates can be changed in the tool.
Why is leave loading included in super?
The ATO treats annual leave loading as ordinary time earnings unless it is demonstrably for lost overtime opportunity; most employers pay super on it.
Our wages are under the threshold.
Leave the box unticked and payroll tax is zero. Thresholds and rates differ by state and change each July.
Is this advice?
No. It is an estimate for planning. Your accountant or payroll provider confirms the figures for your award and state.
Other calculators
Rather not run payroll at all?
Managed HR & payroll runs your staff's pay, super, STP and leave on Pulse HR, per employee per month.