Where $38 per hour sits on the pay line
A rate of $38 per hour, based on a standard 38-hour week and 52 weeks a year, works out to roughly $75,088 annually before tax. This figure is a straightforward calculation: $38 × 38 hours × 52 weeks. It is not a published statistic from the ABS or Fair Work, but it is a useful benchmark for understanding where this hourly rate places you relative to national averages and minimums.
Compared to the national full-time average
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year (× 52). At $75,088, a $38 per hour salary is about $33,264 below that average. That is a gap of roughly 31%.
However, the full-time average is pulled up by high earners. The median full-time salary—the middle point where half earn more and half earn less—is $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Your $75,088 is below that median too, but not by as much: about $15,444 or 17%.
Compared to all employees and the minimum wage
When you include part-time and casual workers, the all-employees median is $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). At $75,088, your $38 per hour salary sits just above that median—meaning you earn more than half of all Australian employees.
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 a year on 38 hours. Your rate is $11.56 an hour higher, or about 44% above the minimum. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from the same date, so some award rates may be closer to $38, but the national minimum remains the floor.
What would move this pay above or below the average?
Several factors can push a $38 per hour salary above or below the national full-time average. Understanding these can help you see where your pay might go.
Working more hours or overtime
The national full-time average is based on ordinary-time earnings for full-time adults. If you work more than 38 hours per week, especially at overtime or penalty rates, your annual earnings could exceed the average. For example, working 45 hours a week at $38 per hour (with no penalty) would give about $88,920 a year—still below the average, but closer. With penalty rates (e.g., time-and-a-half), you could reach $108,352 with fewer extra hours.
Industry and occupation
Some industries pay well above the national average. For instance, the mining industry, professional services, and information technology often have higher median earnings. If you move into one of these fields, your hourly rate could increase significantly. Conversely, industries like retail or hospitality tend to have lower averages. The Job medians page shows how different occupations compare.
Location
State full-time averages vary considerably. The highest is the Australian Capital Territory at $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. The lowest is Tasmania at $96,008. If you work in a high-paying state, your $38 per hour might be closer to the local average. In the ACT, for example, $75,088 is about 37% below the state average, while in Tasmania it is about 22% below. See the States and territories page for more detail.
Gender pay gap
The ABS data shows men's full-time average at about $113,412 and women's at $100,594. A $38 per hour salary is below both, but the gap is larger for men. Factors like industry segregation and career progression contribute to these differences.
Tax and take-home pay
On $75,088 a year, your 2026–27 tax would be roughly: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800 (up to $45,000), and 30% on the remaining $30,088. That gives about $13,826 in tax, plus a 2% Medicare levy ($1,502), leaving around $59,760 after tax and Medicare. This is before any deductions or offsets. The ATO sets the tax rates; see How the figures are set for more on how we calculate.
How to use this information
If you earn $38 per hour, you are above the all-employees median and well above the minimum wage, but below the full-time average and median. To move closer to the average, consider negotiating a higher base rate, seeking overtime, or switching to a higher-paying industry or location. The Place a salary on the line tool lets you compare any salary against the national full-time average.
Remember that averages can be skewed by very high incomes. The median is often a better indicator of typical pay. At $75,088, you are earning more than half of all employees, which is a solid position in the Australian labour market.
Key sources
- National full-time average: ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 (ordinary-time, adult, full-time).
- Medians: ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, August 2025.
- Minimum wage: Fair Work Commission, from 1 July 2026.
- Tax rates: ATO, 2026–27 financial year.
All figures are before tax unless stated. The hourly-to-annual conversion uses a 38-hour week and 52 weeks, which is the standard used by Fair Work and the ABS.