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Labour & staff

Superannuation calculator

Super is 12% on top of wages, paid at least quarterly. Work out what you owe on an employee’s earnings, your quarterly bill, and the true total cost to employ them.

Wages & super
Ordinary time earnings and the super rate.
Super payable per year
$9,600
12% of $80,000 in ordinary earnings — about $2,400 each quarter. Total cost to employ is $89,600.
Super per year$9,600
Super per quarter$2,400
Super per month$800
Wages + super (total cost)$89,600
Concessional contributions used$9,600

traqR tracks the hours and wages behind every job, so the earnings your super is calculated on are always accurate and to hand.

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How it works

1

Start with ordinary earnings

Super is calculated on ordinary time earnings — wages for normal hours, plus most allowances and paid leave, but generally not overtime.

2

Apply the guarantee rate

Multiply by the super guarantee rate — 12% from 1 July 2025 — to get the super the employer must pay on top of wages.

3

Pay it at least quarterly

Super must be paid to employees’ funds by the quarterly due dates (and from 1 July 2026, alongside each pay under payday super). Late super isn’t deductible and attracts a charge.

Frequently asked questions

What is the current super guarantee rate?

The compulsory super guarantee reached 12% on 1 July 2025, its legislated maximum. It’s paid by the employer on top of an employee’s wages, into their nominated super fund — it’s not deducted from their pay.

What earnings is super paid on?

Super is calculated on “ordinary time earnings” (OTE) — pay for ordinary hours of work, including most allowances, bonuses, commissions and paid leave. Overtime is generally excluded. If you’re unsure whether a particular payment is OTE, check the ATO guidance or ask your accountant.

When does super have to be paid?

At least quarterly, by the 28th day after the end of each quarter. From 1 July 2026, “payday super” requires super to be paid at the same time as wages. Paying late means the super guarantee charge applies and the amount isn’t tax-deductible, so it pays to be on time.

Do I pay super for contractors?

Sometimes. If you engage a contractor mainly for their labour, they can be treated as an employee for super purposes even if they invoice you and have an ABN. Genuine businesses supplying a result usually aren’t caught. Misclassifying workers is a common and costly mistake — get advice if you’re not sure.

This calculator is a general estimate, not tax or financial advice. Super rules, rates, the concessional cap and what counts as ordinary time earnings can change and depend on your circumstances. Confirm with the ATO and your accountant.

The wages behind the super, tracked

traqR records the hours and wages on every job, so the earnings your super is based on are always accurate. Try it free for 14 days.

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