What is the full-time minimum wage in Australia for 2026-27?

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage for award-free employees working full-time is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. This rate is set by the Fair Work Commission and applies to national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Employers must also pay 12% super guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings.

Does every full-time worker receive $26.44 per hour?

No. The $26.44 rate is the legal floor for adult award-free employees. Many workers are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates or supported wages can be paid less. For example, award-free juniors under 16 get $9.73 per hour. Always check your award or agreement first.

How does the national minimum wage compare to average earnings?

The national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week is well below the ABS May 2026 figure for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. The minimum is a safety net, not a typical wage. Most full-time employees earn more due to award classifications, enterprise agreements, or market rates. The super guarantee of 12% is paid on top of both minimum and average earnings.

Full time minimum wage Australia: which pay floor applies and what people mix up

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage for full-time award-free employees is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, with 12% super on top.

Full time minimum wage Australia: what you need to know

When people search for "full time minimum wage Australia", they usually want to know the legal pay floor for a standard working week. The answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no award at all. This guide explains the national minimum wage, how it differs from other pay concepts, and what employers must pay on top.

The legal minimum for award-free adults

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 based on 38 ordinary hours. This is the absolute floor for national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules.

Employers must also pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. That means the total minimum employment cost for a full-time award-free adult is at least $1,125.49 per week before tax.

Separating the legal minimum from other figures

It is easy to confuse the national minimum wage with other pay concepts:

Survey averages: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is more than double the minimum. The average reflects all full-time employees, including those on high salaries.
Award rates: Most employees in Australia are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum wages for specific industries and occupations, and they are almost always higher than the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour, but many classifications are higher. Introductory rates for the first six months are capped at $25.74 per hour.
Negotiated salaries: An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a rate above the award or national minimum. If the rate is below the award, the award applies.

Who does not get the full adult rate?

The $26.44 per hour figure applies to adult award-free employees. Lower rates apply to:

Juniors: Award-free employees under 21 get a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 16-year-old gets 47.3% ($12.51 per hour) and a 20-year-old gets 97.7% ($25.84 per hour).
Apprentices and trainees: Award-free apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages.
Supported wages: Employees with a disability may have a supported wage assessment.
Introductory award rates: Some modern awards allow a lower rate for the first six months of employment.

Always check your specific circumstances. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources to help you find the right rate.

How the minimum wage fits into the bigger picture

The national minimum wage is a safety net. It ensures that even the lowest-paid award-free workers receive a baseline income. However, most full-time employees earn more because they are covered by an award or agreement that reflects the value of their work. The Which minimum wage applies page can help you determine your correct pay floor.

If you are negotiating a salary, remember that the minimum is just a starting point. Your skills, experience, and market demand may justify a higher rate. The Rate tables show how the minimum has changed over recent years.

Super guarantee: an extra cost on top

When discussing pay, it is important to include super. The 12% super guarantee is paid by the employer on top of ordinary time earnings. For a full-time employee on the national minimum wage, that adds about $120.59 per week. Super is not part of the hourly rate; it is an additional payment into the employee's superannuation fund.

Common misunderstandings

One common mistake is assuming the national minimum wage applies to everyone. It does not. If you are covered by a modern award, the award rate is your minimum. Another mistake is thinking the hourly rate multiplied by 38 equals the weekly rate exactly. Due to rounding, $26.44 x 38 = $1,004.72, but the official weekly figure is $1,004.90. The Fair Work Commission publishes the weekly amount as the authoritative figure.

Need more detail?

For a deeper explanation of how the figures are calculated, see How the figures work. If you want to explore topics like junior rates or award coverage, visit Topics. Remember, this site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional for your specific situation.