Understanding your AFLW salary: from gross to take-home pay

Understanding your AFLW salary: from gross to take-home pay

Gross salary vs package vs take-home

When you see an AFLW salary advertised, it's often a total employment package. This can include superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) and other benefits. Your actual take-home pay – the amount that lands in your bank account – is lower because of income tax and the Medicare levy.

How to estimate your take-home from an AFLW salary

Start with your gross annual salary. If your contract says "$X per year plus super", the super is on top. If it says "$X total package", the super is included. For take-home, you only consider the gross salary component (before super). Then apply the 2026-27 resident tax rates:

• Up to $18,200: nil
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) which can reduce your tax by up to $700, but only to zero.

Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but there are low-income thresholds. For singles, the latest published thresholds are $28,011 (no levy) and $35,013 (full levy). Between these, you pay a reduced rate of 10c per $1 over $28,011. Full-time salaries almost always exceed $35,013, so you'll pay the full 2%.

Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. This is paid by your employer on top of your salary (unless your contract says otherwise). Super is not deducted from your take-home pay; it's an additional contribution to your retirement fund.

Benchmark: minimum wage

For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (38 hours). This is set by Fair Work. Your AFLW salary is likely higher, but the same tax and Medicare rules apply.

Common mix-ups

• "Salary package" vs "gross salary": Always check if super is included. If it is, your gross salary for tax purposes is lower.
• "Take-home" vs "net": Take-home is after tax and Medicare, but before any voluntary deductions like salary sacrifice or HELP repayments.
• "Fortnightly pay": Many employers pay fortnightly. Your tax is calculated on each pay period using tax tables from the Australian Taxation Office. The ATO provides fortnightly tax tables that your employer uses to withhold the correct amount.

Example calculation

Suppose your AFLW salary is $60,000 gross (excluding super). Your tax would be: $4,020 + 30% of ($60,000 - $45,000) = $4,020 + $4,500 = $8,520. Then LITO: at $60,000, LITO is $325 minus 1.5c per $1 over $45,000 = $325 - $225 = $100. So tax after LITO = $8,420. Medicare levy: 2% of $60,000 = $1,200. Total deductions = $9,620. Take-home = $50,380 per year, or about $1,937 per fortnight.

Why AFLW salary figures vary

Unlike the national minimum wage, AFLW player salaries are not a single published rate. They depend on the player's experience, contract negotiations, and club. Some players may have additional match payments or bonuses. Therefore, we cannot provide a specific "aflw salary" figure. Always refer to your individual contract.

Using the ATO tax tables

Your employer uses the ATO's tax tables to withhold PAYG. The ATO updates these tables annually; for 2026-27, they reflect the tax cuts from the Treasury Laws Amendment (More Cost of Living Relief) Act 2025. The tables include weekly, fortnightly, and monthly options. Your take-home pay is the result of these withholdings.

Medicare levy surcharge

If you don't have appropriate private hospital cover and your income exceeds certain thresholds, you may also pay the Medicare levy surcharge. This is separate from the standard Medicare levy. For singles, the surcharge starts at $93,000 (2026-27). This is not covered in detail here, but be aware it can reduce your take-home further.

Use our tools

To get a personalised estimate, try our Clearance tool or read our Take-home pay guide. For tax rates and offsets, see Tax and Medicare. And for the latest minimum wage, visit Minimum wage.

Final note

This guide is for general information only. It does not constitute tax advice. Your actual take-home pay depends on your individual circumstances, including any study loan repayments or Medicare levy surcharge. Always consult a tax professional.