Contractor vs Employee Calculator Australia
Compare the real take home pay between working as a contractor (ABN) or an employee (PAYG). Enter your rate to see how GST, expenses, and super affect your bottom line.
Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.
Related tools: Pay Calculator for employee net pay, GST Calculator for invoice GST, and Salary Sacrifice Calculator for employee super comparisons.
Typically 48 (accounting for leave)
Equipment, software, insurance, accounting fees, etc.
Enter your contract rate to compare contractor vs employee income
How the Calculator Works
This calculator helps you compare the financial outcomes of working as a contractor versus an employee in Australia. Here's what it considers:
If you searched for "ABN vs PAYG", "contractor vs employee after tax", or "how much more should a contractor charge", this page is designed to answer those comparisons directly.
For Contractors (ABN)
- GST obligations: If registered, you collect GST on invoices and remit it to the ATO (minus GST credits on expenses)
- Business expenses: Legitimate work-related costs that reduce your taxable income
- Voluntary super: Tax-deductible contributions you make yourself
- No employer benefits: No paid leave, workers comp, or employer super
For Employees (PAYG)
- Simpler tax: Tax is withheld from each pay
- Employer super: 12% paid on top of your salary (2025-26)
- Leave entitlements: Paid annual leave, sick leave, and long service leave
- Less risk: Steady income and employment protections
How to Set Your Contractor Rate
When transitioning from employee to contractor, you need to charge more to maintain the same financial position. Consider these factors:
Rule of thumb: Multiply your equivalent employee salary by 1.3 to 1.5 to get your minimum contractor rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to be a contractor or employee in Australia?
It depends on your situation. Contractors often have higher gross rates but must pay their own super, GST (if registered), and have less job security. Employees get employer-paid super (12% in 2025-26), leave entitlements, and simpler tax. Use this calculator to compare the actual take home pay difference.
Do contractors pay more tax than employees?
Not necessarily. Both contractors and employees pay the same income tax rates. However, contractors can deduct legitimate business expenses from their taxable income, potentially reducing their tax. Contractors may also need to register for GST if earning over $75,000.
How much should a contractor charge compared to an employee?
As a general rule, contractors should charge 20-50% more than an equivalent employee salary to cover: no paid leave (add ~10%), no employer super (add ~12%), business costs and insurance (add ~5-10%), and the risk of gaps between contracts.
Do contractors need to register for GST?
You must register for GST if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more. Below this threshold, registration is optional but can be beneficial if you have significant business expenses (to claim GST credits) or your clients prefer dealing with GST-registered businesses.
Can contractors contribute to superannuation?
Yes, contractors can make voluntary contributions to their super. These contributions are tax-deductible up to the concessional cap ($30,000 in 2025-26) and are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate, making it an effective tax strategy.
What's the difference between a contractor and sole trader?
"Contractor" describes how you work (providing services to clients rather than being employed). "Sole trader" is a business structure. Most individual contractors operate as sole traders with an ABN. You can also contract through a company (Pty Ltd) for additional liability protection.
Set up the contractor paperwork after you compare pay outcomes
If the contractor path is the better fit, move straight into payroll-support and client-facing documents like timesheets, expense claims, invoice reminders, and statements.