When searching for work or promotional opportunities, do you sometimes see the hourly rate of pay listed and wonder how to calculate the annual salary? Conversely, what would your hourly salary be if a yearly salary is listed? The helpful number to know is 2080, the number of hours a full-time worker works in a year. *

For example, if a recruitment ad lists the salary step range as $25-$35 per hour, the annual salary is $54,000-$72,800.

Calculation: $25 per hour x 2080 = $52,000 annually or $35 per hour x 2080 = $72,800 annually

If the advertisement lists the range as $60,000-$75,000 annually, the hourly salary is $28.85-$36.06 per hour.

Calculation: $60,000 annually ÷ 2080 = $28.85 hourly or $75,000 annually ÷ 2080 = $36.06 hourly

Wondering what the acronyms DOQ or CWE stand for? DOQ means that the salary offered will depend on qualifications, signifying that the employer will provide a starting salary based on the applicant’s qualifications. CWE is shorthand for commensurate with experience, indicating that the employer will offer compensation appropriate for the candidate’s experience level.

PRO TIP: If DOQ or CWE are listed and you need to know the salary before applying, search the agency’s website for “salary schedule,” “classification specifications,” or “job descriptions.” Public sector salaries are a matter of public record, and one of these documents should provide salary information.

Finally, if you have two offers and are trying to compare salaries, don’t forget to add a percentage for benefits to your calculations. For public sector employers, who typically offer generous benefit packages, a good factor to use is 50%. Remember that a private sector employer may offer a higher salary but not the same benefits.

Do you have additional helpful information to share or comments and questions about this article? Email us at info@mynpsj.com.

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* The math – 52 weeks in a year x 40 hours a week = 2080. Adjust the calculation accordingly if the agency’s work week is 35 hours or if the position is part-time. Also, in a leap year, the number of hours worked is 2088.