Guide
Salary Package Including Super Explained
Understand the difference between cash salary, employer super and total remuneration package in Australia.
Written for Australian workers and job seekers · Updated 2026-09-13 · General information only
Plain-English answer
Helpful before using the calculator
Updated 2026-09-13
Worked example
$120,000 plus super and a $120,000 package are not equal offers
At a simple 12% employer-super rate, $120,000 cash salary plus super produces $14,400 of employer super on top. A $120,000 package made up only of cash salary and 12% super works back to about $107,143 cash salary and $12,857 super. Benefits, fees and the actual super calculation base can change a real package, so ask for the dollar breakdown.
Check before relying on it
- Find the exact words 'plus super' or 'total package'.
- Ask for cash salary and employer super as separate dollar amounts.
- Keep bonuses, allowances and packaged benefits outside the base comparison until clarified.
- Compare take-home pay using the cash salary, not the package headline.
What this page helps you answer
What this pay, tax or salary topic means in simple terms.
What number or setting to check next in the calculator.
Which assumption could change the answer most.
When to stop using a rough estimate and ask payroll, the ATO or a qualified adviser.
Cash salary
Cash salary is the amount used to estimate income tax and take-home pay after separating employer super where needed.
Employer super
Employer super is part of remuneration but is normally paid to your super fund instead of your bank account.
Package comparison
When comparing offers, check whether the quoted number is salary plus super or a package that already includes super.
Before you make a decision
Use the guide to understand the topic, then check the number with your own inputs. If the result affects a resignation, job offer, visa decision, redundancy, tax return or family budget, confirm the details with the right official source or adviser.
Check the financial year.
Confirm whether super is included or added on top.
Check HELP debt and tax residency settings.
Compare weekly, fortnightly and monthly cashflow.