What is the average Australian salary?

According to the ABS May 2026, full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70, or about $108,352 annually. For all employees (including part-time), average total earnings are $1,579.20 per week.

Does the national minimum wage apply to everyone?

No. The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) applies only to award-free and agreement-free employees. Most workers are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates.

How does superannuation affect my pay?

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. It is not deducted from your pay. The minimum wage and award rates are before super.

Average Australian Salary vs Minimum Wage: Which Pay Floor Applies?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but most employees are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates.

Average Australian Salary and the Minimum Wage: What You Need to Know

When people talk about the "average Australian salary", they often mean the figure published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for full-time adult ordinary time earnings. As of May 2026, that figure is $2,083.70 per week, or roughly $108,352 a year. But this average is not a legal pay floor. It is a survey average that includes many workers earning above the minimum. The legal minimum that an employer must pay depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no award at all.

The National Minimum Wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the rate for an adult award-free employee is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours. If you work casually, you get a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This is the absolute floor for employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, most Australian workers are covered by a modern award, which usually sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules.

Award Rates and Enterprise Agreements

If your job is covered by a modern award, the minimum pay rate in that award applies instead of the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates for the first six months must be at least $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. Always check your award or agreement first. Use our Which minimum wage applies guide to find your correct pay floor.

How the Average Australian Salary Compares

The ABS average of $2,083.70 per week is more than double the national minimum wage. This average includes full-time workers across all industries and experience levels. It is not a target or a requirement. Your pay may be higher or lower depending on your award classification, skills, and negotiations. The average is useful for benchmarking but should not be confused with what you are legally entitled to. For a deeper look at how these figures are collected, see How the figures work.

Superannuation Is on Top

Whenever pay is discussed, remember that the superannuation guarantee is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. It is not deducted from the minimum wage or award rate. For example, on the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week, your employer must also contribute $120.59 to your super fund. This is separate from your take-home pay.

Exceptions: Juniors, Apprentices, and Supported Wages

Not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Award-free junior employees (under 21) have special national minimum wages based on age. For example, a 16-year-old gets $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate), and a 20-year-old gets $25.84 per hour (97.7%). Apprentices and trainees follow rates in the Miscellaneous Award. Employees with a disability that affects productivity may receive a percentage of the national minimum wage. These lower rates are legal, but only if the employee is truly award-free and meets the criteria. See our Rate tables for a full breakdown.

What This Means for You

Your pay floor is determined by your award or agreement, not by the average Australian salary. The average is a statistical measure, not a legal requirement. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage is your floor. If you are covered by an award, the award rate is your floor. Negotiated salaries can be higher than either. Always check your pay against the correct instrument. For more guidance, visit our Guides section.

Final Note

This information is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides enforcement and tools like the Pay and Conditions Calculator. Use those official sources to confirm your exact entitlements.