Super & packaging
Salary Including Super Explained
Short answer
A salary quoted plus super adds 12% on top of your cash pay. A salary including super bundles it inside, so a $90,000 package is about $80,357 cash and $9,643 super. The same headline number can be worth several thousand dollars less in your bank account each year.
The maths
To find the cash salary in an 'including super' figure, divide by 1.12. So $90,000 including super is about $80,357 cash plus $9,643 super. The same $90,000 'plus super' gives you a $90,000 cash salary plus $10,800 super.
Always ask which one
Job ads and recruiters use both forms. Before comparing offers, confirm whether each is plus or including super, or you could pick the role that actually pays less. Use the salary package calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better?+
'Plus super' puts more cash in your pocket for the same headline number, but always compare the total package.
How do I convert including-super to cash salary?+
Divide the figure by 1.12 (for the 12% super rate).
Do award rates include super?+
Award base rates usually have super paid on top. Check your specific award or agreement.
Sources & methodology
- ATO - Personal income tax: new tax cuts (15% rate from 1 July 2026)
- Income Tax Rates Act 1986 (legislation.gov.au)
- ATO - Study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates
- ATO - Super guarantee
- ATO - Contribution caps
- ATO - Payday Super and the annual maximum contribution base
- ATO - Medicare levy
- ATO - Medicare levy surcharge income thresholds and rates
- Fair Work Ombudsman - Pay slips
- How we calculate these estimates
Last updated 13 August 2026. Figures use the 2026-27 financial year.
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