What is the TSMIT for the 482 visa?

The TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) is the minimum annual salary that must be paid to a sponsored worker under the 482 visa. It is set by the Department of Home Affairs and is updated periodically. The exact current figure is available on the Home Affairs website. As of the most recent adjustment, it is above the national minimum wage.

Can a 482 visa holder be paid less than the award rate?

No. Under the Migration Act, the employer must provide equivalent pay to that of an Australian employee in the same occupation. If a modern award or enterprise agreement covers the occupation, the salary must meet at least those minimum rates. If no award applies, the salary must still meet the market salary rate, which cannot be less than the TSMIT.

Does the 482 salary requirement include superannuation?

No. The TSMIT and market salary requirement refer to base salary excluding superannuation. The employer must pay the super guarantee (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings) on top of the salary. This is a separate obligation under the Fair Work Act and superannuation laws.

482 salary requirement: a practical hourly rate check

The 482 salary requirement is set by the Department of Home Affairs and includes a minimum annual threshold (TSMIT) and a requirement to pay the market salary rate, which may be higher than the national minimum wage.

Understanding the 482 salary requirement

If you are a sponsored worker on a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or an employer looking to sponsor someone, the 482 salary requirement is a critical figure. It is not a single number but a combination of legal thresholds and market conditions. This guide helps you do a practical check using an hourly rate.

The legal minimums: TSMIT and award rates

The Department of Home Affairs sets a minimum annual salary called the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This is the floor for all 482 visa holders. The exact TSMIT figure is available on the Home Affairs website . In addition, the Fair Work Ombudsman explains that your employer must pay you at least the same as an Australian employee doing the same job . That means if a modern award or enterprise agreement covers your occupation, your salary must meet those minimum rates. If no award applies, the employer must pay the market salary rate, which cannot be lower than the TSMIT.

Separating the different pay concepts

It is important to distinguish between:

Legal minimums: The TSMIT and award rates are enforceable minimums. They are not averages or recommendations.
Survey averages: Organisations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics publish average earnings, such as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). These are useful for context but are not legal requirements.
Award rates: These are the minimum wages set by the Fair Work Commission for specific industries or occupations. They can be higher than the national minimum wage.
Negotiated salary: Your actual salary may be above the minimums based on your skills, experience, and the market. However, it cannot fall below the TSMIT or the award rate.

How to check an hourly rate against the 482 salary requirement

Start by converting the offered annual salary to an hourly rate. Divide the annual figure by 52 weeks, then by 38 hours (the standard full-time week). For example, if the TSMIT is $73,150 per year (a common figure, but check the current value), the hourly equivalent is about $37.00. Compare this to:

The national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) for award-free adults. This is the absolute floor for all employees, but the 482 requirement is higher.
The relevant award rate: Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to find the correct minimum for your classification.
The TSMIT: Ensure the hourly rate multiplied by 38 hours and 52 weeks meets or exceeds the TSMIT.

Remember, superannuation is paid on top. The employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings to a super fund. This is not part of the salary for the TSMIT test.

When an award or agreement sets a higher rate

If a modern award covers your occupation, the award minimum wage applies instead of the national minimum wage. For example, the Miscellaneous Award (which covers many award-free employees) has an introductory rate of $25.74 per hour for the first six months, then rises to $26.44. But the 482 salary requirement may still be higher than the award rate because of the TSMIT. Always check both.

Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. Your employer must comply with the highest applicable standard.

Practical steps for a quick check

Find the current TSMIT on the Home Affairs website.
Identify if a modern award covers your occupation. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Which minimum wage applies tool.
Calculate the hourly rate from your offered salary (annual ÷ 52 ÷ 38).
Compare that hourly rate to the TSMIT hourly equivalent and the award rate.
If your rate is below either, the offer may not meet the 482 salary requirement.

For more detailed rate comparisons, see our Rate tables.

Important caveats

The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only to award-free adult employees. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may be paid less under specific rules.
The TSMIT is reviewed periodically. Always use the latest figure from Home Affairs.
This guide is for orientation only. It is not legal advice. For a definitive determination, consult a registered migration agent or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

By understanding the 482 salary requirement and how to compare it with an hourly rate, you can ensure that your employment offer meets both immigration and workplace laws.

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