Salary converter: hourly, weekly, monthly and yearly
Job ads state salaries in wildly different periods: an hourly rate in one posting, an annual figure in the next. Comparing them requires converting everything to a common basis. A salary converter translates between hourly, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and annual amounts using your working hours per week and weeks per year, so offers become directly comparable.
TL;DR
- All periods are expressed relative to the year: hourly × hours per week × weeks per year gives the annual salary, and the annual figure divided by the number of periods per year gives any smaller period.
- Annual Salary Formula: Annual = Hourly × Hours/Week × 52 | Monthly = Annual / 12 | Weekly = Annual / 52
- Example 1: An hourly wage of $20 at 40 hours per week — Weekly: $20 × 40 = $800
How it works
All periods are expressed relative to the year: hourly × hours per week × weeks per year gives the annual salary, and the annual figure divided by the number of periods per year gives any smaller period.
The math
Convert the known period into an annual amount by multiplying by the number of such periods in a year (52 weeks, 12 months, 26 bi-weekly, 52 hourly weeks × hours per week). Then divide the annual amount by the periods per year of the target unit.
The 52-week year is the standard conversion basis; some markets use 50 weeks to account for two weeks of unpaid leave.
Examples
Example 1: An hourly wage of $20 at 40 hours per week
- Weekly: $20 × 40 = $800
- Annual: $800 × 52 = $41,600
- Monthly: $41,600 / 12 ≈ $3,467
- Bi-weekly: $800 × 2 = $1,600
Example 2: A €3,000 monthly salary
- Annual: €3,000 × 12 = €36,000
- Weekly: €36,000 / 52 ≈ €692
- Hourly (40h week): €692 / 40 ≈ €17.30
- Hourly (37.5h week): €692 / 37.5 ≈ €18.45
When to use it
✦ Job Offer Comparison
Candidates normalize hourly, monthly, and annual offers to a single basis to compare jobs with different payment structures.
✦ Freelance Rate Setting
Freelancers convert target annual income into hourly rates, or check that an hourly rate covers their monthly expenses.
⚠ Common mistakes
- Forgetting the Worked Weeks: Many countries use a 52-week year, but paid leave and part-year contracts reduce the actual worked weeks.
- Mixing Hours per Week: An annual figure converts to very different hourly rates depending on the assumed weekly hours.
- Ignoring Gross vs Net: All conversions here operate on the same basis (gross or net); never mix the two in one comparison.
FAQ (2)
How many working weeks are in a year?
The standard is 52 weekly cycles; some calculations use 50 after removing two weeks of unpaid leave.
Does the converter include taxes?
No, it converts periods on a single basis, use the net salary calculator for tax-adjusted figures.
Sources & References
⚠ Financial Disclaimer
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Results may vary based on local regulations, rates, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.