Does base salary in Australia include superannuation?

No. Base salary is the gross pay before tax and before the compulsory super guarantee (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings). Employers must pay super on top of the base salary, not as part of it. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour does not include the super payment.

Can my base salary be lower than the national minimum wage?

Only in limited circumstances. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates or supported wages can be paid less. For example, an award-free 16-year-old can be paid $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate). But most adult employees in the national system must receive at least $26.44 per hour or the applicable award rate, whichever is higher.

What is the difference between base salary and total remuneration?

Base salary is the fixed gross amount paid for ordinary hours, excluding bonuses, commissions, overtime, and super. Total remuneration includes base salary plus any additional payments and benefits. For award-covered employees, the base salary must meet or exceed the award minimum, and any agreement to set a higher base salary is common in enterprise bargains.

Understanding Base Salary in Australia: Legal Minimums, Award Rates, and What People Often Mix Up

The national minimum wage for adult award-free employees is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026, but many employees are covered by awards or agreements that set higher rates.

What Does 'Base Salary in Australia' Actually Mean?

When people search for base salary in Australia, they often want to know the minimum they can be paid or how their pay compares to a legal floor. The term 'base salary' is not defined in the Fair Work Act, but it is widely used in employment contracts to mean the gross pay for ordinary hours of work, before tax, superannuation, and any additional allowances or bonuses. Understanding which pay floor applies to you depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate for award-free employees is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This is the absolute floor for most national-system employees. However, if you are covered by a modern award, your base salary cannot be less than the award's minimum classification rate. Awards often set higher rates than the national minimum, especially for skilled roles or shift work. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in any award must be at least $26.44 per hour, but many awards have rates above that.

Employers must also pay the super guarantee on top of your base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if your base salary is $1,004.90 per week, your employer must pay an additional $120.59 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your base salary.

Survey Averages vs. Legal Minimums

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings data. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, while all employees (including part-time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week. These averages are much higher than the national minimum because they include higher-paid occupations and overtime. Do not confuse the average with the legal minimum. Your base salary may be below the average and still be perfectly legal if it meets the applicable award or national minimum.

Award Rates and Negotiated Salaries

If you are covered by a modern award, your base salary must be at least the award rate for your classification. Some awards have introductory rates for the first six months (e.g., $25.74 per hour from 1 July 2026). After that, you must move to the ongoing rate. Enterprise agreements can also set higher base salaries, but they cannot undercut the award or national minimum. For award-free employees, the base salary is simply whatever you negotiate, as long as it is at least the national minimum. Many professionals and managers negotiate a base salary well above the floor.

Common Mix-Ups

One frequent confusion is between base salary and total package. Some job advertisements quote a 'total package' that includes super. If you see a figure like $65,000, check whether it is base plus super or base only. The legal minimums quoted on this site are base salary before super. Another mix-up is assuming the national minimum applies to everyone. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees can be paid less. For example, an award-free 17-year-old can be paid $15.29 per hour (57.8% of the adult rate). Always check your age and award coverage.

How to Find Your Correct Pay Floor

Start by identifying if you are covered by a modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides tools to find your award. If no award applies and no enterprise agreement covers you, then the national minimum wage is your floor. For award-covered employees, the award rate is the minimum, but your employer can pay more. Remember that the base salary is just one part of your total remuneration; super, allowances, and penalty rates are extra.

For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and the Rate tables for current figures. You can also read our Guides on how to interpret pay rates.

Final Thoughts

'Base salary in Australia' is a simple term with layers of complexity. The legal floor is clear, but your actual minimum depends on your award, age, and employment type. Always confirm your coverage before comparing your pay to averages or negotiating a raise. The figures on this site are for orientation only and are not legal advice.