Converting an annual salary to an hourly amount can make job offers easier to compare, but the result depends on contracted hours, working weeks, paid leave and benefits. The basic calculation is a gross equivalent, not take-home pay.
Use contracted working hours
Multiply weekly working hours by the number of working weeks used for the comparison. A 40-hour schedule across 52 paid weeks represents 2,080 paid hours in a year.
Divide the annual gross salary by that total. A €52,000 salary divided by 2,080 hours gives a €25 gross hourly equivalent.
Understand what 52 weeks means
For a salaried role with paid leave, dividing by 52 compares pay across all paid weeks. If you are estimating revenue for self-employment or unpaid time off, use the weeks you realistically expect to bill or work.
Be consistent when comparing offers. Switching between paid weeks for one role and worked weeks for another can make one hourly figure look artificially better.
Compare more than the headline rate
Pension contributions, paid leave, overtime treatment, bonuses, insurance and commuting costs can materially change the value of a role. An hourly equivalent is one comparison point, not the complete compensation package.
- Check whether overtime is paid or expected.
- Value paid leave consistently.
- Separate guaranteed salary from variable bonuses.
- Compare commuting and remote-work costs.
Gross pay is not take-home pay
Income tax, social insurance and other deductions vary by country and personal circumstances. Kitalva's Salary Calculator converts gross amounts between time periods and does not estimate net salary.