The Super Guarantee Explained: How Much Should You Be Paid?
The Super Guarantee (SG) is the minimum amount your employer is legally required to pay into your super fund, on top of your wages. It isn't a favour, and it isn't something you need to negotiate — it's a legal obligation, and it's worth understanding exactly what you're entitled to.
The current rate
Under the schedule set out in the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act, the SG rate rose gradually each year until it reached 12% of your ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025, and it's designed to stay at that level going forward (always worth a quick check on ato.gov.au, since legislation can change). "Ordinary time earnings" generally means your normal pay for ordinary hours — it typically doesn't include overtime, but does usually include things like commissions and some allowances.
Who's entitled to it
Employees are generally entitled to SG contributions regardless of whether they're full-time, part-time, or casual, and regardless of age (subject to a few specific exclusions), since the old $450-a-month earnings threshold that used to exclude low earners was removed. See Super for Casual and Part-Time Workers for more detail on how this applies if you work irregular hours.
How and when it's paid
Employers must pay SG contributions to your fund at least quarterly, by set due dates (generally 28 days after the end of each quarter). Some employers pay more frequently, such as with each pay cycle, which is worth checking since it means your money starts earning returns sooner.
How to check you're actually being paid correctly
Log in to your super fund's app or website and check contributions are landing roughly every quarter (or more often) and roughly match 12% of your ordinary earnings. You can cross-check this against your payslips, and through the ATO's online services via myGov, which shows contributions reported against your account.
What to do if you think you've been underpaid
If contributions look missing or short, first check with your payroll or employer — sometimes it's a timing or administrative issue. If it isn't resolved, you can report unpaid super to the ATO, which has powers to recover unpaid SG on your behalf, including penalties charged to the employer.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Super Guarantee apply to bonuses?
It generally applies to ordinary time earnings, which can include some bonus types depending on how they're structured — check with your payroll or the ATO's guidance for your specific situation.
Can my employer pay me my super as extra salary instead?
No — SG contributions must be paid into a complying super fund, not paid as cash, except in very limited circumstances.
Is the 12% rate the maximum my employer can pay?
No — 12% is the minimum required by law. Many employers pay exactly that, but nothing stops an employer offering more as part of a remuneration package.
Contribution rates and thresholds are set by legislation and can change; confirm the current Super Guarantee rate on ato.gov.au before publishing.
This article contains general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and does not constitute a recommendation to acquire, hold, or dispose of any financial product. Before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness to your own circumstances, and seek independent financial, tax and/or legal advice, or speak with a licensed financial adviser, before making any decision.
