Is $15.29 the minimum for all 17-year-olds?

No. $15.29 is the minimum for award-free 17-year-olds who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If a modern award applies, it may set a higher junior rate or a different percentage. Always check the relevant award first. An enterprise agreement can also override the award rate, but it must not be less than the award rate overall.

Do I get super on top of $15.29?

Yes. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid by your employer on top of your hourly rate. For a 17-year-old earning $15.29 per hour, the employer must also contribute an additional 12% into your super fund. This applies to all employees, including juniors, unless you earn less than $450 in a month (though this threshold is being removed from 1 July 2026).

Can my employer pay me less than $15.29 if I am an apprentice?

Yes, if you are an apprentice or trainee, different rules apply. Award-free apprentices and trainees are covered by the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Their minimum wage is set by a separate schedule based on the year of apprenticeship and trade. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay calculator or your award for the correct rate.

17 year old minimum wage: which rate applies and how it compares

The legal minimum for an award-free 17-year-old is $15.29 per hour (or $19.11 casual), but awards and agreements can set higher rates.

17 year old minimum wage: what you need to know

If you are 17 and working in Australia, the pay you receive depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no award at all. Many people assume there is one fixed “17 year old minimum wage”, but the legal floor varies. This guide explains the different rates and how they compare.

The award-free junior rate

For national-system employees who are not covered by any award or agreement, the Fair Work Commission sets a junior percentage of the adult national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the adult minimum is $26.44 per hour. A 17-year-old gets 57.8% of that, which is $15.29 per hour (or $19.11 per hour for casuals, which includes the 25% casual loading). This is the legal minimum for an award-free 17-year-old.

Your employer must also pay superannuation on top of this rate. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, so for each hour you work at $15.29, an extra $1.83 goes into your super fund.

How awards and agreements can change the rate

Most employees in Australia are covered by a modern award. Awards often have their own junior rates, which may be higher or lower than the award-free percentage. For example, the Hospitality Industry (General) Award sets a different percentage for 17-year-olds. Always check the relevant award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. If an award applies, the award rate is your minimum – not the award-free junior rate.

Enterprise agreements can also set pay rates, but they must not undercut the award that would otherwise apply. A negotiated salary can be higher than both the award and the junior minimum, but it cannot be lower.

How the 17-year-old rate compares to other figures

The ABS May 2026 survey shows that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings are $1,579.20 per week. These are averages for all ages, not floors. A 17-year-old working 38 hours at $15.29 would earn about $581 per week before tax – well below those averages. That is expected because junior rates are designed to reflect lower experience and productivity.

What people often mix up

A common mistake is thinking the adult national minimum ($26.44) applies to everyone. It does not. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates can be paid less. Another mix-up is confusing the award-free junior rate with the rate under a specific award. Always check your award first. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources to help you find the right rate.

Super and tax considerations

Super is paid on top of your hourly rate. For a 17-year-old earning $15.29 per hour, the employer must contribute 12% extra. Tax is withheld from your pay, but if you earn below the tax-free threshold ($18,200 in 2026-27), you may not owe any income tax. However, Medicare levy may apply if your annualised ordinary gross income exceeds $30,000. Use the ATO’s tax calculator for your exact situation.

Where to get more information

Which minimum wage applies – a guide to determining your coverage.
Rate tables – see the full set of junior and adult minimum rates.

Remember, this site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. If you are unsure about your rate, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.