Use our take home pay calculator to see what changes your fortnightly pay

How your fortnightly pay changes: tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and super

Your take-home pay is the amount that lands in your bank account after the Australian Tax Office takes out income tax and the Medicare levy. But what exactly changes from one fortnight to the next? The answer depends on three things: the tax bracket you fall into, the Medicare levy, and how super is handled.

Tax brackets and the brackets that matter

For the 2026–27 tax year, the rates are:

• Up to $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,020 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) gives up to $700 at taxable income up to $37,500, then reduces until $66,667. It can only reduce tax to zero.

The Medicare levy: 2% and the thresholds

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For single people, the latest published thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If you earn below $28,011 you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay 10c per $1 over the lower threshold. Above $35,013 you pay the full 2%. Full-time salaries pay the full 2%.

Super and take-home pay

Super is 12% from 1 July 2026, on a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your job ad says "plus super", the super is on top of your salary and does not reduce your take-home. If it says "including super", the super is deducted from your gross pay before you receive it. Our Take-home pay guide explains more.

Using our take home pay calculator

Our take home pay calculator helps you estimate your net pay after income tax and the Medicare levy. It uses the 2026–27 tax rates and the latest Medicare thresholds. Remember, it does not include HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, or payroll tax-table rounding. It is not a tax assessment.

Fortnightly pay and the minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour and $1,004.90 a week. For a full-time worker on the minimum wage, the annual salary is $52,255. After tax and Medicare, your take-home pay will be less. Use the calculator to see your fortnightly amount.

Average earnings benchmarks

• All employees average weekly total earnings: $1,579.20 (annual $82,118) – includes part-time.
• Full-time adult ordinary time earnings: $2,083.70 per week (annual $108,352) – excludes overtime and employer super.

These figures from the ABS show typical pay. Your take-home will vary based on your actual salary, tax brackets, and Medicare levy.

What changes your fortnightly pay

Your fortnightly pay changes when your salary changes, when you move into a higher tax bracket, or when the Medicare levy thresholds change. The tax brackets are progressive, so a pay rise can push you into a higher marginal rate. The Medicare levy is flat 2% for most full-time workers. Super contributions (if deducted from your pay) also reduce your take-home.

For a detailed breakdown, see our Tax and Medicare guide.

Important notes

• This estimate is for residents only.
• It excludes HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding.
• Not an assessment.

Use our take home pay calculator to see your estimated fortnightly amount after tax and Medicare.