How It Works
Converting salary to hourly helps you compare jobs, budget by the hour, or set freelance rates. The formula is simple: take your gross annual salary and divide it by the total number of hours you work in a year.
Total hours per year = hours per week × weeks per year. For most full-time U.S. workers, that’s 40 × 52 = 2,080 hours. So a $52,000 salary is $52,000 ÷ 2,080 ≈ $25.00 per hour.
If you work overtime, get bonuses, or have different hours, this number is your base hourly equivalent—useful for apples-to-apples comparison with hourly jobs.
Examples
- $40,000/year, 40 hrs/week, 52 weeks → 2,080 hours → ~$19.23/hour
- $60,000/year, 40 hrs/week, 52 weeks → 2,080 hours → ~$28.85/hour
- $75,000/year, 37.5 hrs/week, 52 weeks → 1,950 hours → ~$38.46/hour
- $50,000/year, 20 hrs/week (part-time), 50 weeks → 1,000 hours → ~$50.00/hour
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert salary to hourly?
Divide your annual salary by the total number of hours you work per year. Total hours = hours per week × weeks per year. For example, $52,000 per year at 40 hours/week for 52 weeks = $52,000 ÷ 2,080 = $25 per hour.
Is 40 hours per week standard for salary to hourly?
Yes. In the U.S., full-time is often defined as 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year (2,080 hours). If you work fewer hours or have more vacation, use your actual hours for a more accurate hourly rate.
Does this include overtime or benefits?
No. This calculator gives your base equivalent hourly rate from your salary. It does not add overtime, bonuses, or benefits. Use our Overtime Calculator to add overtime pay.
What if I work part-time or variable hours?
Enter your actual average hours per week and weeks worked per year. For example, 20 hours/week for 50 weeks = 1,000 hours. Your hourly rate will reflect that schedule.
Why is my hourly rate different from my paycheck?
Paychecks are often after taxes and deductions. This tool uses gross (before-tax) salary. For take-home comparison, use our After-Tax Salary calculator.
Can I use this for contract or freelance rates?
Yes. Use your desired annual income and the hours you plan to work. Contractors often use a higher rate to account for taxes, benefits, and downtime.
Assumptions & Limitations
This calculator uses gross (pre-tax) annual salary and assumes you work the same hours every week for the full year. It does not account for:
- Overtime, bonuses, or commissions
- Taxes, benefits, or deductions
- Unpaid leave or holidays
For take-home pay, use our After-Tax Salary calculator.