How to calculate your builder salary take-home pay in 2026–27

Understanding your builder salary after tax

If you work in building and construction in Australia, knowing what lands in your bank account is just as important as knowing your hourly rate. Your builder salary can vary widely depending on your classification, the type of work (residential or commercial), and whether you are a daily hire or weekly hire employee. This guide helps you work out your take-home pay using the latest award rates and 2026–27 tax thresholds.

Award rates for builders

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020). For daily hire employees in residential work, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 (CW/ECW 1) employee is $28.98 (level a). Higher levels pay more: Level 2 is $30.99, Level 3 (painter or glazier) is $32.11. These rates already include industry allowance, follow-the-job loading, and tool allowance where applicable. Weekly hire rates are also available in the award.

For comparison, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Award rates for builders are above the minimum wage.

Median earnings: not published

The Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for Builder's Labourers (ANZSCO 821111) reports that median weekly earnings are not available. This is because the ABS does not publish a reliable figure for this specific occupation. So while award minimums are clear, actual market rates can be higher depending on your employer, location, and experience.

From gross to net: tax and Medicare

Once you know your gross annual salary, you can estimate your take-home pay using the 2026–27 tax rates. For a resident Australian:

• Up to $18,200: no tax
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15 cents per dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents per dollar over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37 cents per dollar over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45 cents per dollar over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which reduces tax by up to $700 for incomes up to $37,500, then phases out.

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but if you earn below $28,011 (single) you pay none. Between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate. Above $35,013 you pay the full 2%.

Example take-home calculation

Suppose you are a Level 1 builder earning the award daily hire rate of $28.98 per hour, working 38 hours a week for 52 weeks. That’s an annual gross salary of about $57,277. After tax (using the 2026–27 brackets) and Medicare levy (full 2% because you are above $35,013), your estimated take-home pay is around $45,600 per year, or about $1,754 per fortnight. This excludes super, which is paid on top at 12%.

What about super?

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional payment your employer makes. So if a job ad says “$57,277 plus super”, your total remuneration is $57,277 plus 12% ($6,873) into your super fund.

Using our tools

To get a personalised estimate, try our Take-home pay calculator or read more about Tax and Medicare. You can also check the Minimum wage page for the latest national rates.

Remember: this is an estimate only. Your actual take-home pay depends on your exact classification, hours, deductions, and whether you have HELP/HECS debt or a Medicare levy surcharge. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.