Pay Calculator Australia 2025-26
About to start a new job, or just want to know what you actually take home.
Calculate your take-home pay, income tax, Medicare levy, HECS/HELP repayments, and 12% superannuation. Uses official ATO 2025–26 tax rates. All calculations run in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
Estimates using 2025-26 ATO rates. Enter your exact salary below for a precise figure.
| 2025-26 | 2025-26 | Δ (Savings) |
|---|
Select the question that matches where you are right now.
Your pay result shows your take-home pay after income tax, Medicare levy, and HECS/HELP repayments are deducted from your gross salary. Super is shown separately — it is paid by your employer on top of your salary (or from your salary if salary-sacrificed).
Compare scenarios by adjusting inputs. Use the precision bar to reveal more detail. Results update in real time as you type.
Not professional financial advice, not a guarantee of any specific outcome, and not a substitute for qualified advice for significant decisions.
All calculations run entirely in your browser using standard formulas. No data is sent to any server.
The inputs that most influence this result are shown in the breakdown above. Even small changes to key variables can have a significant compound effect over time.
Longer periods amplify both growth and cost. Starting one year earlier or later can change a financial outcome by more than you expect.
Even a 1% change in rate can materially change the outcome over a long period. Use Standard or Advanced mode to model rate sensitivity.
Most financial variables have a non-linear relationship with the result — they compound. The sensitivity table in Advanced mode shows this clearly.
To improve this result, focus on the inputs with the highest leverage. Small changes to the right variable often produce much larger outcomes than large changes to less important ones.
Adjust inputs one at a time. The one that moves the result most is your binding constraint — focus effort there first.
Use the Scenario A/B feature in Advanced mode to compare two situations side by side.
Many financial decisions benefit from timing. Starting earlier, fixing a rate at the right moment, or clearing a debt before applying for new credit can each produce significant improvements.
Depending on what you are planning, these are the natural next steps after reviewing this result.
This calculator shows one part of a financial decision. The related calculators below help you model adjacent factors.
Switch to Standard or Advanced mode and use the scenario comparison tool to model best, expected, and worst case.
For decisions involving significant amounts of money, use this result as a starting point for a conversation with a qualified financial advisor.
How Australian income tax and take-home pay are calculated
Tax-free threshold and brackets
Australia uses a progressive income tax system — you pay higher rates only on income above each bracket threshold, not on your entire income. The first $18,200 of income is tax-free. Income from $18,201 to $45,000 is taxed at 19%. From $45,001 to $135,000 at 32.5% (from 1 July 2024 following Stage 3 reforms). From $135,001 to $190,000 at 37%. Above $190,000 at 45%.
| Income | Tax | Medicare | Net income | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $5,992 | $1,000 | $43,008 | 14.0% |
| $70,000 | $13,217 | $1,400 | $55,383 | 20.9% |
| $100,000 | $22,967 | $2,000 | $75,033 | 25.0% |
| $120,000 | $29,467 | $2,400 | $88,133 | 26.6% |
| $150,000 | $40,567 | $3,000 | $106,433 | 29.0% |
Medicare levy and surcharge
Medicare levy
All Australian residents pay a 2% Medicare levy on their taxable income (Source: ATO — Medicare levy). The levy funds the public health system. Low-income earners may receive a reduction or exemption: individuals earning under $26,000 (2025-26) pay no levy; those between $26,001 and $32,500 pay a reduced amount.
Medicare levy surcharge
High-income earners without private hospital cover pay an additional Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) of 1%, 1.25%, or 1.5% on top of the standard 2% levy. The surcharge applies if your income exceeds $93,000 (single) or $186,000 (family) and you do not hold eligible private hospital cover. Having private cover eliminates the surcharge entirely.
How HECS/HELP debt reduces your take-home pay
Compulsory repayment thresholds 2025-26
Once your income exceeds $54,435, the ATO deducts compulsory HECS repayments. The rate increases with income.
| Income bracket | Rate | Annual repayment at mid-point |
|---|---|---|
| $54,435–$62,850 | 1% | ~$587 |
| $66,620–$74,855 | 2.5% | ~$1,776 |
| $84,107–$89,154 | 4% | ~$3,452 |
| $100,174–$106,185 | 5.5% | ~$5,661 |
| $119,309+ | 7%+ | $8,352+ |
How superannuation is calculated
Employer super contributions
Your employer is required to pay 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings into your nominated superannuation fund (rising to 12% from 1 July 2025). This is paid on top of your salary, not from it, unless you have a salary-sacrifice arrangement. A $100,000 salary generates $11,500 in employer super contributions.
Salary sacrifice
You can voluntarily contribute to super from your pre-tax salary (salary sacrifice). This reduces your taxable income and therefore your income tax, while growing your super balance. Super contributions are taxed at 15% inside the fund — much lower than most marginal tax rates above $45,000.
Low income and other tax offsets
Low Income Tax Offset (LITO)
The Low Income Tax Offset reduces tax payable for lower-income earners. The maximum LITO of $700 applies to incomes up to $37,500. It phases out between $37,500 and $66,667, with no offset above $66,667.
Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO)
The LMITO was a temporary offset that applied from 2018-19 to 2021-22 and has now ended. It is not applicable for the 2025-26 or 2025-26 income years.
Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO)
Eligible seniors and pensioners may qualify for the SAPTO, which can significantly reduce or eliminate tax payable. Eligibility requires meeting age pension age, income, and residency conditions.
Pay calculations for casual and part-time workers
Casual loading
Casual employees receive a 25% casual loading on top of their base rate in lieu of leave entitlements. A role paying $30/hr permanent equals $37.50/hr casual. The higher gross rate is taxed at the same brackets as any other income — use this calculator with your actual gross hourly earnings to find your take-home.
Part-time PAYG
Part-time PAYG employees are taxed on their full-year equivalent income rate. A teacher working 3 days/week on $66,000 annual salary is taxed at that income level — not at a lower effective rate. HECS repayments also apply at the actual income level.
Australian take-home pay 2025-26
Take-home by salary (with Medicare, no HECS)
| Gross | Tax | Medicare | Take-home | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,487 | $800 | $35,713 | $2,976 |
| $60,000 | $9,788 | $1,200 | $49,012 | $4,084 |
| $80,000 | $15,788 | $1,600 | $62,612 | $5,218 |
| $100,000 | $21,788 | $2,000 | $76,212 | $6,351 |
| $150,000 | $40,288 | $3,000 | $106,712 | $8,893 |
| $200,000 | $60,788 | $4,000 | $135,212 | $11,268 |
| $300,000 | $105,788 | $6,000 | $188,212 | $15,684 |
Australian pay frequency: weekly, fortnightly, monthly
Pay frequency comparison
| Frequency | Periods/year | On $80k |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | $1,538/week |
| Fortnightly (most common) | 26 | $3,077/fortnight |
| Monthly | 12 | $6,667/month |
27 pay period year
Every 11 years, fortnightly creates 27 periods. Extra paycheck. ATO adjusts withholding. Next 2028.
Withholding and pay cycle
Based on annualized equivalent. $1,500 fortnightly × 26 = $39,000 basis. Bonuses may overcollect — refunded at year-end.
Australian salary packaging 2025-26
Novated lease (EV exemption)
Pre-tax vehicle lease. No FBT on electric vehicles under $91k — major 2022 reform. Saves $1,000+/year typically. Big draw for EV buyers.
NFP and healthcare packaging
FBT-exempt categories: hospitals $9,010, charities $15,900. Meal entertainment adds $2,650. Reduces taxable salary significantly.
Super salary sacrifice
Pre-tax to super: taxed 15% vs marginal rate. Concessional cap $30,000/year 2025-26 (includes employer SG). Most effective tax strategy for higher earners.
Laptop packaging
One laptop per FBT year exempt. Primarily work use required. Further equipment: FBT applies but deductible.
Australian PAYG withholding 2025-26
Tax brackets 2025-26 (Stage 3)
| Income | Marginal rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $18,200 | 0% |
| $18,201 - $45,000 | 16% |
| $45,001 - $135,000 | 30% |
| $135,001 - $190,000 | 37% |
| $190,001+ | 45% |
Medicare levy
2% on taxable income. Low-income threshold $24,276. MLS 1-1.5% additional for high earners without private hospital cover.
HECS-HELP repayment
Starts $54,435 (1%), up to 10% at $159,665+. Based on repayment income (taxable + super + FBT). Auto-deducted via PAYG.
LITO automatic offset
Up to $700. Full below $37,500. Tapers to $66,667. Automatic via tax return.
Understanding Australian payslips
Payslip essentials
Gross pay, PAYG tax, Medicare levy, HECS/HELP, super guarantee (11.5% 2024-25, 12% from July 2025), net pay, YTD totals. Required by Fair Work Act.
Year-to-date checks
Quarterly check: salary matches contract, super paid to fund, tax withheld appropriate. Prevents year-end surprises.
Legal requirements
Employer name/ABN, employee name, pay period, gross/net, itemized deductions, super contributions, leave balances. Breach = Fair Work violation.
Common issues
Wrong tax code (no free threshold on primary). Super not paid quarterly (must be by 28th of following month). Wrong overtime loading. Incorrect public holiday pay.
Australian pay by state
Federal income tax only
Unlike US, no state income tax. Same rates Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/rural.
Payroll tax (employers only)
Paid by large employers. NSW 5.45% above $1.2m wage bill. Victoria 4.85% above $900k. Not on employee payslip.
State minimum wage
National $24.10/hr 2024-25. Industry awards may set higher. All states follow national — no state variations.
Cost of living
Sydney 70% higher housing than national avg. Melbourne/Brisbane moderate. Perth/Adelaide/Hobart cheaper. Sydney requires 20-30% salary premium for equivalent lifestyle.
❓ Frequently asked Frequently asked questions
What is the tax-free threshold in Australia?
The tax-free threshold is $18,200 per year. Income up to this amount is not taxed. If you earn from a single employer, you claim the threshold on your Tax File Number declaration to reduce PAYG withholding. If you have multiple jobs, claim the threshold from only one employer.
How much tax do I pay on $100,000?
On $100,000 taxable income in 2025-26, you pay $22,967 in income tax plus $2,000 Medicare levy = $24,967 total, leaving approximately $75,033 in take-home pay. This is an effective rate of 25.0%. The marginal rate on income between $45,001 and $135,000 is 32.5%.
Does HECS come out of my pay automatically?
Yes. Once your income exceeds the repayment threshold ($54,435 in 2025-26), your employer withholds the compulsory HECS repayment from your pay as part of PAYG withholding if you have indicated you have HECS on your TFN declaration. The withholding is based on your income for that pay period.
What is employer superannuation?
Your employer is required to contribute 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings to your superannuation fund (rising to 12% from 1 July 2025). This is paid in addition to your salary — it does not come out of your take-home pay unless you have entered into a salary sacrifice arrangement.
What is the Medicare levy surcharge?
The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is an additional 1–1.5% tax on high-income earners (above $93,000 single) who do not hold eligible private hospital cover. It is in addition to the standard 2% Medicare levy. Taking out private hospital cover eliminates the surcharge, which often costs less than the surcharge itself.
Where these figures come from
Income figures on this page are drawn from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Fair Work Commission (minimum wage and awards), and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (national earnings).
- PAYG withholding & income tax rates — ATO — Individual income tax rates.
- Superannuation Guarantee rate — ATO — Super guarantee percentage.
- National minimum wage — Fair Work Ombudsman — Minimum wages.
- Average weekly earnings — ABS — Average Weekly Earnings.
- Medicare levy — ATO — Medicare levy.
Last checked: April 2026. Rates and thresholds are reviewed against the source of record each November, when annual adjustments for the following tax year are published.