WTF Happened to My Pay?

Your first paycheck is smaller than expected. Here's why — and what to do about it.

💸 The "Oh Shit" Moment

You worked 20 hours at $17.70/hour (casual). You did the math: that's $354. Easy.

Then your payslip arrives... and it says $323. What?!

Don't panic. You didn't get ripped off. Here's what actually happened to your money:

📊 Where Your Money Actually Goes

Example: 20 hrs @ $17.70/hr (casual)

Base rate × 20 hrs $354.00

+ 25% casual loading + $88.50

Gross pay $442.50

Tax withheld (PAYG) - $31.00

In your bank account $411.50

Super (to your fund) + $53.10

Wait — that's actually more than $354? Yep! If you're casual, the 25% loading bumps up your pay. But tax takes a chunk. And super is extra money you don't see in your account (yet).

🏛️ Tax: Why the Government Takes Your Money

Every time you get paid, your employer takes out some tax and sends it to the ATO (Australian Taxation Office). This is called PAYG withholding.

Here's the good news: if you earn under $18,200 per year, you pay zero tax. But your employer doesn't know what your total yearly income will be, so they withhold tax from each pay "just in case."

✅ The good part: If you earned under $18,200 for the year, you get ALL the withheld tax back when you do your tax return. Free money!

🚨 The TFN Trap

If you haven't given your employer your Tax File Number (TFN), they're legally required to withhold tax at the highest rate: 47%.

With TFN vs Without TFN

Gross pay $442.50

Tax WITH TFN - $31.00

Tax WITHOUT TFN - $207.98

⚠️ That's $177 difference per week! Get your TFN from the ATO website — it's free and takes about 10 minutes. Give it to your employer immediately. You'll get the over-withheld tax back at tax time, but why wait months?

🏦 Super: Your Future Self's Money

Your employer puts 12% of your gross pay into a super fund. This is ON TOP of your wage — it doesn't come out of your pay.

You can't access it until you're around 60 (with some exceptions). It feels pointless now, but compound interest means even small amounts from your teen years grow into serious money.

💡 Pro tip: Make sure your employer is actually paying your super. After a few months, log into myGov and check your super balance. If it's $0, something's wrong.

💵 Casual Loading: The Trade-Off

If you're casual (most teen jobs), you get 25% extra on your base rate. This is called "casual loading."

The trade-off? You don't get:

• Paid sick leave — sick day = no pay
• Paid annual leave — holiday = no pay
• Guaranteed hours — shifts can be cut

The 25% loading is meant to compensate for missing out on these. It's not a bonus — it's the deal.

✅ Your First Paycheck Checklist

Get your TFN from the ATO website (free)
Give your TFN to your employer
Choose a super fund (or they'll pick one for you)
Download and read your payslip
Check your gross pay matches your hours × rate
Set up a myGov account and link the ATO
After 3 months, check super is being paid

Want to see YOUR actual numbers?

Calculate My Take-Home Pay Can I Afford Something?

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax and superannuation calculations are examples only and may not reflect your exact situation. Before making financial decisions, consider seeking independent advice from a qualified financial adviser or tax professional.

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