Most Australian employers underestimate the true cost of an employee by 25–35%. See your real cost-to-employ in 30 seconds, with industry-specific award rates pre-loaded.
Includes super (12% from 1 Jul 2025), workers comp, NSW payroll tax, leave loading, and casual loading. Industry presets for childcare, NDIS, hospitality, retail, and trades.
True Cost-to-Employ Calculator
Australian payroll cost — including super, leave, WC, and payroll tax.
Industry & employment
Rate & on-costs
Three steps, thirty seconds
Pick your industry
Award rates pre-load for childcare, NDIS, hospitality, retail, trades and clerical. Or enter your own custom rate.
Set classification & hours
Pick the right pay-point and weekly hours, then choose permanent or casual.
See the true cost
Hourly, weekly, and annual cost — plus the loaded cost factor and a full breakdown of base, super, leave, WC, and payroll tax.
The on-costs people forget
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Superannuation | 12% (FY26) | SG rose to 12% on 1 July 2025. No exceptions for casuals over $450/month (threshold abolished). |
| Casual loading | 25% | Paid in lieu of leave entitlements. Reflected in casual hourly rates. |
| Annual leave | 4 weeks | Permanent only. Built into 52-week base wage; loading varies by award. |
| Personal/carer’s leave | 10 days | Permanent only. Accrues each year. |
| Public holidays | ~10 days | Plus penalty rates if worked. |
| Workers Compensation | 1–8% (NSW) | Varies by WIC code — lab work different to office work. |
| NSW Payroll Tax | 5.45% over $1.2m | Australian wages threshold — combined entity wages count. |
Questions we hear a lot
Where do these award rates come from?
Indicative FY25 base rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s published modern awards. Always verify against the current rate on fairwork.gov.au before processing payroll — rates change each 1 July with the annual Fair Work Commission wage review.
Why is my casual employee actually cheaper per hour?
Casual rates include the 25% loading in lieu of leave. But you don’t carry leave entitlements, public holiday payments, or termination notice costs. For irregular work, casual is often cheaper. For consistent 38-hour weeks, permanent usually wins on total cost and is fairer.
How does NSW payroll tax work?
If your total Australian wages exceed $1.2m in a year (combined across related entities — the “grouping” rules), you pay 5.45% on the amount over $1.2m. Many growing businesses get caught when they cross this threshold for the first time.
What about workers comp?
NSW workers comp (icare) premium is set by your WIC code (Workplace Industry Classification). Office workers might be 0.5%; tradies and meatworkers can be 5%+. The premium also factors your claim history. Get a current premium quote from your broker or icare.
Where does my data go?
Nowhere. The tool runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to Trinity, no signup, no email capture.
Does this handle penalty rates?
This calculator works in straight-time (base) rates. Weekend, evening and public holiday penalties multiply your base rate and need to be modelled separately for accurate rostering costs. Trinity can build you a custom cost model for shift-heavy operations.
I’m not in NSW — do payroll tax thresholds differ?
Yes. QLD threshold $1.3m at 4.95%; VIC $700k at 4.85%; WA $1m at 5.5%. The calculator currently uses NSW. If you’re in another state, adjust the threshold/rate or talk to Trinity for a multi-state payroll cost model.
