Wage Comparison Calculator
Compare two salary or hourly rate scenarios side by side. See gross salary, income tax (ATO brackets), Medicare levy (2%), and Super Guarantee contribution for each scenario — calculated using the selected financial year's real tax rates.
Wage Comparison Calculator
Compare two salary or hourly rate scenarios side by side. Uses real ATO tax brackets, Medicare levy and Super Guarantee rate for the selected financial year.
How to Use the Wage Comparison Calculator
- Select a tax year — Rates differ between 2025–26, 2026–27 and 2027–28.
- Choose input mode — Compare annual salaries or hourly rates.
- Enter Scenario 1 and 2 — Two salary or hourly rate values.
- Pick a display frequency — View results as annual, monthly, fortnightly or weekly.
- Click Calculate — See the full breakdown.
What Is Included?
The calculator uses the actual ATO tax brackets for the selected financial year, the standard Medicare levy (2%), and the Super Guarantee rate(which varies by year). Results are shown for both scenarios plus the difference.
- Gross salary — Your annual salary or hourly-rate equivalent.
- Income tax — Calculated using ATO marginal tax brackets for the selected year.
- Medicare levy — 2% of taxable income (with low-income exemptions applied).
- Superannuation — Employer SG contribution calculated at the year's rate.
- Net pay — What you take home after income tax and Medicare levy.
Super Guarantee Rates by Year
- 2025–26: 12%
- 2026–27: 12%
- 2027–28: 12%
Why Use This Calculator?
Whether you are evaluating a job offer, negotiating a raise, comparing contract rates, or deciding between roles — this calculator gives you a complete picture of the financial difference including the impact of tax brackets, which can significantly affect your net take-home pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between this and the Pay Calculator?
The Pay Calculator calculates your detailed take-home pay for a single salary. This Wage Comparison Calculator lets you compare two scenarios side by side, showing the difference in gross salary, tax, Medicare, super, and net pay.
Does this calculator include HELP/HECS or MLS?
This comparison focuses on the core differences: income tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation. For a detailed calculation including HELP/HECS repayment and Medicare Levy Surcharge, use the Pay Calculator.
Can I compare hourly rates?
Yes. Select "Hourly rate" as the input mode and enter your hours per week (default 38). The calculator converts to annual equivalents using standard formulas.
Why does the net pay difference differ from the gross difference?
Because Australia uses progressive tax brackets. A higher salary may push you into a higher tax bracket, meaning the net difference is smaller than the gross difference. This calculator accounts for that.
Which tax year should I select?
Select the financial year that applies to your situation. 2026–27 is the current financial year. Use 2025–26 for historical comparison, or 2027–28 for future planning.