Understanding Your AFL Salary: Take-Home Pay After Tax and Medicare

Your AFL Salary After Tax: What Hits Your Bank Account

If you're an AFL player or considering a career in the AFL, you want to know how much of your afl salary actually lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy. This guide walks through the current tax rates, Medicare thresholds, and superannuation rules so you can estimate your take-home pay.

The National Minimum Wage as a Benchmark

Fair Work sets the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for employees not covered by an award. Most AFL salaries are far higher, but this benchmark helps you understand the floor. The full-time adult ordinary time earnings from the ABS average $2,083.70 per week – a more relevant comparison for many players. See our Benchmarks page for the latest averages.

Tax Rates for the 2026–27 Income Year

The Australian Taxation Office applies these resident tax rates for 2026–27:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• $190,001 and over: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

These rates do not include the Medicare levy of 2%. The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) can reduce tax for lower incomes, but most AFL salaries exceed the LITO phase-out range.

Medicare Levy: When It Applies

Everyone pays the Medicare levy unless their taxable income is below the single thresholds. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your income is between these amounts, the levy is phased in at 10c per dollar. Full-time AFL salaries easily exceed $35,013, so you'll pay the full 2% on your taxable income.

Superannuation: The 12% Contribution

From 1 July 2026, the compulsory super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Job ads for AFL players often state the salary 'plus super', meaning the quoted figure is before super. Your take-home pay is calculated on the base salary, and super is paid separately into your fund. Learn more about Super.

Estimating Your Take-Home Pay

To estimate your after-tax income:

1. Start with your gross afl salary (the figure before super).
2. Subtract income tax using the 2026–27 rates.
3. Subtract the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income).
4. The result is your annual take-home pay. Divide by 26 for fortnightly amounts.

Remember, this estimate excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary sacrifice arrangements. Use our Take-home pay calculator for a precise figure.

Where Your AFL Salary Sits

AFL player salaries vary enormously – from rookie contracts to million-dollar deals. The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) is a useful midpoint. Many AFL players earn above this, placing them in the 30c or 37c tax brackets. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is a floor that no AFL salary should fall below.

Key Takeaways

• Your afl salary is usually quoted before super – add 12% for total remuneration.
• Tax rates for 2026–27 are lower than previous years, especially for incomes between $18,200 and $45,000.
• The Medicare levy adds 2% unless your income is below $28,011.
• Use our Tax and Medicare guide for detailed thresholds and offsets.

For a personalised estimate, try the Clearance tool to see your exact take-home pay after all deductions.