Using the Seek salary checker to estimate your take-home pay

How the Seek salary checker helps you estimate your after-tax pay

When you're considering a job offer or planning your budget, knowing how much will actually land in your bank account is essential. The Seek salary checker is a practical tool that lets you enter your gross salary and see an estimate of your take-home pay after income tax and the Medicare levy. This guide explains how the calculator works and what factors influence your net income.

Starting point: the national minimum wage

Fair Work sets the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). If you're covered by an award or registered agreement, your minimum pay may be higher. The Seek salary checker uses your entered salary, not the minimum wage, but knowing the baseline helps you understand where you stand. For more details, see our Minimum wage page.

How income tax is calculated

For the 2026–27 tax year, Australian residents pay tax on a sliding scale. The first $18,200 is tax-free. Then:

• $18,201 – $45,000: 15 cents for each dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents for each dollar over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37 cents for each dollar over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45 cents for each dollar over $190,000

A Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) of up to $700 can reduce your tax, phasing out as income rises. The Seek salary checker automatically applies these rates and offsets to give you an estimate.

Medicare levy: what you need to know

The Medicare levy is an additional 2% of your taxable income for most people. However, if your income is below $28,011 (single), you pay nothing. Between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading-in rate of 10 cents per dollar applies. Above $35,013, the full 2% is charged. These thresholds are the latest published by the ATO. The Seek salary checker includes the Medicare levy in its calculation, so you see a realistic take-home figure. For a deeper dive, visit our Tax and Medicare page.

Superannuation: not part of your take-home pay

Employers must pay superannuation at 12% of your ordinary time earnings (up to a contribution base of $270,830 per quarter) from 1 July 2026. This is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it. The Seek salary checker shows super separately, so your take-home pay is based on your gross salary alone. Remember, job advertisements often quote a salary plus super, meaning the super is extra. Learn more on our Super page.

Using the Seek salary checker step by step

1. Go to the Seek salary calculator and enter your annual gross salary (or weekly, fortnightly, monthly).
2. Choose whether the amount includes super (usually not, unless stated).
3. The tool instantly shows your taxable income, income tax, Medicare levy, and take-home pay.
4. It also breaks down your pay by week, fortnight, and month.

For example, if you earn $84,000 a year (excluding super), the calculator estimates a take-home pay of about $65,528 annually, or $1,260.15 per week. Your total taxes would be around $18,472, and super would add $18,472 on top.

What the calculator doesn't cover

The Seek salary checker is a useful estimate, but it doesn't account for:

• HELP/HECS student loan repayments
• Medicare levy surcharge (if you earn over a threshold and don't have private hospital cover)
• Salary sacrifice arrangements
• Tax offsets beyond LITO
• Payroll tax rounding by your employer

Always treat the result as a guide, not a tax assessment. For personalised advice, consult a tax professional or use the ATO's own tools.

Why use the Seek salary checker?

It's quick, free, and based on current tax rates. Whether you're negotiating a salary, comparing job offers, or planning your budget, knowing your after-tax income helps you make informed decisions. The tool is especially handy for understanding how a pay rise or a change in hours affects your take-home pay.

For more resources, check our Take-home pay guide and Averages page to see how your salary compares nationally.