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How to calculate superannuation

Finance Superannuation

11 February 2025 5 min read

Should you be getting paid super? Here are answers to 5 common questions we get asked.

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1. How are super payments calculated?

The Australian government sets the minimum super payment and it’s known as the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). The current rate of SG is 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings. This is the amount you get paid for your ordinary hours of work, including things like commissions and shift loadings. There’s a full definition here. Some employers might put more into your super.

2. How do I know if I’m eligible for super payments?

Most workers in Australia should get SG payments from their employer, even if you're here on a working visa. It’s important to make sure you’re getting the right amount of super – it’s your money, and it's a big part of having enough money in retirement.

You're eligible if:

You work full-time, part-time, or casual
You're under 18 years old and working more than 30 hours a week
You're a private or domestic worker and working more than 30 hours per week

You’re not eligible if:

You're under 18 years old and working 30 hours a week or less
You're on unpaid leave

The tax office has a great calculator that helps you work out if you should be getting paid super.

3. How often is super paid?

Your employer has to pay super for you at least 4 times a year (once every quarter). But you might be covered by an award or an employment agreement where your super’s paid more often.

The government’s introducing new rules so that from 1 July 2026, your employer will have to pay your super at the same time as they pay your salary and wages.

4. Are contractors paid superannuation?

Maybe. It depends on how you’re engaged, and the work you do. The tax office has some useful information to help you work out whether you should be getting super as a contractor or not.