Step 1. Convert to a basic hourly rate. Based on 40 hours per work week and 52 weeks a year, a full-time employee will work 2,080 hours per year. Divide the annual salary by 2,080 for the hourly rate for that position.For example: An annual salary of $35,000.00 divided by 2,080 = $16.83 per hour.While $35,000 may seem like a lot money, breaking it down to an hourly equivalent makes it easier to compare to similar jobs with an hourly rate.ivide the annual salary by 2,080 for the hourly rate for that position. For example: An annual salary of $35,000.00 divided by 2,080 = $16.83 per hour. While $35,000 may seem like a lot money, breaking it down to an hourly equivalent makes it easier to compare to similar jobs with an hourly rate.