Convert between hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual salary. Compare different pay rates and calculate your true earnings.
Understanding Salary Conversions
Our salary calculator helps you convert between different pay periods and understand your true earnings. Whether you're comparing job offers or budgeting, knowing your pay in different formats is essential.
Standard Work Year
A standard full-time work year is typically:
- 40 hours per week
- 52 weeks per year
- 2,080 hours per year (40 × 52)
- About 173.33 hours per month (2,080 ÷ 12)
Common Pay Periods
Hourly: Most common for part-time and hourly workers. Overtime (1.5x) usually applies after 40 hours/week.
Weekly: 52 paychecks per year. Less common but easier to budget.
Bi-Weekly: 26 paychecks per year. Very common for salaried positions.
Monthly: 12 paychecks per year. Common for professional and executive roles.
Annual: Total yearly compensation before taxes and deductions.
Salary Comparison Tips
Consider Total Compensation
Base salary is just one part. Also evaluate:
- Benefits: Health insurance, dental, vision (worth $5,000-$15,000/year)
- Retirement: 401k match (typically 3-6% of salary)
- Bonuses: Annual, performance, or signing bonuses
- Stock Options: Equity compensation in startups or public companies
- PTO: Paid time off (2-4 weeks is standard)
- Other Perks: Gym, meals, transportation, education reimbursement
Account for Taxes
Your take-home pay (net) is significantly less than gross salary due to:
- Federal income tax (10-37% based on bracket)
- State income tax (0-13% depending on state)
- FICA (7.65%): Social Security and Medicare
- Benefits deductions: insurance, 401k, HSA
Rule of thumb: expect take-home pay to be 70-80% of gross salary.
Cost of Living Adjustments
$75,000 in rural Kansas has much more buying power than $75,000 in San Francisco. Use cost of living calculators when comparing salaries in different cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert hourly to annual salary?
Multiply hourly rate by hours per week, then by weeks per year. For standard full-time: hourly rate × 40 hours × 52 weeks = annual salary. Example: $25/hour = $52,000/year ($25 × 40 × 52).
What's the difference between gross and net salary?
Gross salary is your total compensation before any deductions. Net salary (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after taxes, insurance, 401k, and other deductions. Typically, net is 70-80% of gross.
How many hours are in a work year?
Standard full-time is 2,080 hours per year (40 hours/week × 52 weeks). Part-time varies. With 2 weeks unpaid vacation, it's 2,000 hours (40 × 50 weeks).
Is salary better than hourly?
Depends on your situation. Salary offers predictability, benefits, and paid time off. Hourly offers overtime pay (1.5x after 40 hours) and flexibility. Hourly can earn more with overtime, while salary provides stability and usually better benefits.
What's a good salary for my experience level?
Varies by industry and location. Entry-level: $40,000-$55,000. Mid-level (5-10 years): $60,000-$90,000. Senior (10+ years): $90,000-$150,000+. Tech, finance, and healthcare typically pay higher. Research salary ranges on Glassdoor, PayScale, or Indeed for your specific role.
How do I negotiate salary?
Research market rates first. When asked for salary expectations, give a range based on research. Emphasize your value and accomplishments. Don't accept the first offer - most employers expect negotiation. Consider total compensation, not just base salary. Get offers in writing before giving notice.
What percentage should I save from my salary?
The 50/30/20 rule is popular: 50% needs (housing, food, utilities), 30% wants (entertainment, dining), 20% savings/debt. For retirement, aim for 15% of gross income. Build an emergency fund (3-6 months expenses) first, then focus on retirement and other goals.
How often should I get a raise?
Annual raises of 3-5% are standard to keep pace with inflation and performance. Promotions typically bring 10-20% increases. If you haven't received a raise in 2+ years, it's worth discussing with your manager. Changing jobs often brings bigger increases (15-30%).
