Finance guide
Pay Rise Percentage Guide
Calculate the gross percentage increase, then compare the estimated annual, monthly and weekly take-home change using the current Australian pay-rise tool.
Updated 17 October 2026 • Reviewed by Tools by Layna Editorial Team • General information only
Calculate the percentage on matching pay figures
Pay rise percentage = (new pay − current pay) ÷ current pay × 100. Going from $70,000 to $77,000 adds $7,000: $7,000 ÷ $70,000 × 100 = 10%. The current amount must be greater than zero for this percentage calculation.
Compare annual salary with annual salary, or the hourly rate with another hourly rate. If hours change, calculate the hourly difference separately; a higher annual salary can simply pay for more hours.
What the current calculator actually estimates
The Pay Rise Calculator accepts a percentage increase or a proposed new annual pay figure. Choose whether the figure is base salary plus super or a total package including super. It separates the base salary and employer super before comparing the scenarios.
Its take-home estimate applies the selected 2026–27 or 2025–26 Australian resident income-tax model, LITO where applicable, the optional standard 2% Medicare levy and optional HELP-style compulsory repayment. It shows annual, monthly and weekly changes. These are annualised averages, not exact payroll withholding or a calendar of pay dates.
Worked example: gross rise versus take-home change
Use current base salary $70,000, proposed base salary $77,000, 12% employer super on top, financial year 2026–27, the standard 2% Medicare levy and no HELP repayment. The gross increase is $7,000 a year, or 10%.
Under that stated model, the annual take-home increase is $4,760, or $396.67 a month and $91.54 a week, rounded. Employer super rises by $840 a year, separately from take-home pay. The $7,000 gross figure and $4,760 estimated cash change answer different questions.
Keep package structure consistent
A quote of “$100,000 including super” is not the same as “$100,000 plus super”. Select the structure that matches each comparison and confirm the offer in writing. The tool applies one selected structure to its current and new figures; if the two offers use different structures, first convert both to the same basis.
Keep uncertain bonuses, allowances and overtime separate from guaranteed base pay. A recurring rise changes future base earnings; a one-off payment does not have the same ongoing effect. Use Pay Rise vs Bonus for that comparison.
When the estimate needs more detail
The result does not model individual deductions, salary sacrifice, reportable fringe benefits, Medicare levy reductions or exemptions, the Medicare levy surcharge, spouse/dependant effects or exact payroll timing. Selecting HELP is an income-based estimate; the general pay-rise tool has no debt-balance field. Use the HELP Debt Pay-Rise Calculator when the balance and repayment cap matter.
Use the Take-Home Pay Change Calculator for a simpler salary change without HELP, or the Salary to Hourly Rate Calculator to check the effect of working hours.
Prepare the comparison for a pay conversation
- Record current base salary, super basis and normal paid hours.
- Calculate the gross percentage and dollars for each proposed rise.
- Use the same financial-year, Medicare and HELP assumptions for each run.
- Compare the estimated monthly cash increase with any extra commuting, childcare or other work costs.
- Check the written offer, payslip and applicable minimum pay requirements separately.
For minimum rates, awards, penalties and entitlements, use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool. This guide and calculator do not determine employment entitlements.
Pay-rise percentage FAQs
Is the calculator still gross-only?
No. It shows the gross change and estimates the take-home change using the selected tax year, Medicare setting and optional HELP-style repayment. Employer super is shown separately.
Does entering 10 mean a 10% rise?
Yes. The percentage mode multiplies current pay by 1 + 10/100. For $70,000, that produces $77,000 before separating any inclusive super package.
Why is the weekly take-home increase smaller than gross increase divided by 52?
The take-home calculation also allows for the change in modelled tax, Medicare and any selected HELP-style repayment.
Does moving into a higher tax bracket tax all my income at the higher rate?
No. Marginal tax rates apply to the income within each bracket. The estimate compares total modelled tax at the two salaries.