Quick answer: multiply the hourly rate by hours per week and paid weeks per year: 25 × 40 × 52 = 52,000 a year, which is 4,333.33 a month or 1,000 a week. Going the other way, divide: a 60,000 salary over 2,080 working hours is about 28.85 an hour.
The numbers behind “2,080 hours”
A standard full-time year is 40 hours × 52 weeks = 2,080 hours. That’s where the quick rule “double the hourly rate and add three zeros” comes from: 25 an hour ≈ 50,000 a year (the exact figure is 52,000). For a 37.5-hour week the year is 1,950 hours; for 48 hours (common in Pakistan and the Gulf) it is 2,496.
Monthly isn’t four weeks
A month is on average 4.33 weeks (52 ÷ 12), not 4. Someone earning 1,000 a week makes 4,333 a month, not 4,000 – and someone comparing a monthly salary with an hourly job should divide by about 173 hours (2,080 ÷ 12), not 160.
Pay frequencies
| Frequency | Payments a year | From a 52,000 salary |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | 1,000.00 |
| Bi-weekly (every two weeks) | 26 | 2,000.00 |
| Semi-monthly (twice a month) | 24 | 2,166.67 |
| Monthly | 12 | 4,333.33 |
Gross, not take-home
All figures are before income tax, social security, pension or provident fund deductions, which depend on your country and situation. Contractors should also remember that unpaid holidays, sick days and gaps between contracts reduce paid weeks – try 44–46 weeks to compare a day rate fairly with a salaried job.
Paid by the hour? Add up your timesheet with the time calculator first. Thinking about a loan or a mortgage? The loan calculator shows what share of your pay the monthly payment would take.
How to convert hourly pay to a salary
- Enter your pay. Type the amount and choose whether it is per hour, day, week, month or year.
- Set your working pattern. Hours and days per week, and how many weeks a year you are paid.
- Compare every period. Hourly, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly and yearly pay appear together.
- Adjust for real life. Lower paid weeks for unpaid leave or contract gaps to compare offers fairly.
Worked example: a daily wage
A worker earns 1,500 a day, six days a week, all year (52 weeks).
- Yearly: 1,500 × 6 × 52 = 468,000.
- Monthly: 468,000 ÷ 12 = 39,000 – not 36,000 (1,500 × 6 × 4).
- Hourly at 8 hours a day: 1,500 ÷ 8 = 187.50.
Comparing two job offers
- Convert both to the same period (yearly is clearest).
- Add guaranteed bonuses and allowances; leave out uncertain ones.
- Count unpaid days – a higher day rate with 8 unpaid weeks may pay less overall.
- Compare take-home pay after tax and deductions where you can.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert hourly pay to an annual salary?
Multiply the hourly rate by hours per week and by paid weeks per year. 25 × 40 × 52 = 52,000.
How do I convert a yearly salary to hourly?
Divide by the hours worked in a year. 52,000 ÷ 2,080 = 25 an hour for a 40-hour week.
How many working hours are in a year?
2,080 for 40 hours a week over 52 weeks. Subtract unpaid leave if you do not get paid holidays.
Is the result before or after tax?
Before tax (gross). Deductions vary by country, so check your payslip or tax authority for take-home pay.
What is the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly?
Bi-weekly is every two weeks (26 payments a year); semi-monthly is twice a month (24 payments).
Does it work for daily wages?
Yes. Choose “Day” and set the days you work per week.
How do I convert a monthly salary to hourly?
Multiply by 12 for the year, then divide by yearly hours. 4,333 × 12 ÷ 2,080 ≈ 25 an hour for a 40-hour week.
How many weeks are in a month?
On average 4.33 (52 ÷ 12). Using 4 underestimates monthly pay by about 8%.