Hourly Value Calculator

Your hourly value, or 'real' hourly wage, is a measure of your compensation that accounts for all the unpaid time you dedicate to your job, such as commuting and working unpaid overtime. It provides a more accurate picture of what you're truly earning per hour of your dedicated time, rather than just what's stated on your payslip.

The calculator starts with your weekly take-home pay. It then calculates your total weekly time commitment by adding your standard work hours, any unpaid overtime, and your daily commute time. By dividing your net pay by this total number of hours, it reveals your 'true' hourly wage, which is often surprisingly lower than the rate calculated from your contract hours alone.

• This calculation is a powerful tool for assessing work-life balance. A job with a slightly lower salary but no overtime and a short commute can often result in a higher 'real' hourly wage and a better quality of life.
• Unpaid overtime is a significant issue in many Australian industries. Calculating your real hourly wage can be a wake-up call, showing you how much you are effectively devaluing your time by working for free.
• Consider the non-financial aspects of your commute. While the calculator quantifies the time cost, factors like stress and unpredictability also detract from your well-being and the overall value you get from your job.

• Use your real hourly wage as a decision-making filter. Before buying something, ask yourself, 'Is this item worth X hours of my dedicated work time?' This can help curb impulsive spending.
• If a long commute is drastically lowering your hourly value, use it as a catalyst to negotiate flexible work arrangements, such as a hybrid model, to reclaim some of that lost time.
• Track your unpaid overtime for a month. If it's consistently high, present this data to your manager to discuss workload, efficiency, or the possibility of compensation.