How Much Is Minimum Wage in Australia? The 2026–27 Rate and Your Weekly Packet

How Much Is Minimum Wage in Australia? The 2026–27 Rate

If you’ve asked “how much is minimum wage in Australia”, the answer from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full‑time adult employee. This is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. It applies to national‑system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement.

What the weekly packet looks like

On a gross weekly minimum of $1,004.90, your take‑home pay depends on tax and Medicare. For the 2026–27 tax year, a resident with the full tax‑free threshold pays roughly $120 in tax and $20 in Medicare (once annualised ordinary gross exceeds $30,000), leaving about $865 per week. This is a simplified model—it excludes the low income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice. Your actual take‑home may differ.

Superannuation is an employer contribution on top. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, so your employer must add $120.59 to your super fund each week. This is not part of your take‑home pay but builds your retirement savings.

Award and agreement rates

The national minimum is a backstop. Most employees are covered by a modern award, which often sets higher minimum rates for particular industries and roles. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour, but many award rates are higher. Introductory award rates (first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. Always check your award or agreement first—see our Which minimum wage applies guide to find yours.

Who is not covered by the adult rate

Juniors (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and employees on supported wages can be paid less. For award‑free juniors, the percentages are: under 16 – 36.8% ($9.73/h), 16 – 47.3% ($12.51/h), 17 – 57.8% ($15.29/h), 18 – 68.3% ($18.06/h), 19 – 82.5% ($21.82/h), 20 – 97.7% ($25.84/h). Casual juniors get the 25% loading on top. Apprentice and trainee rates for award‑free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages.

Comparing the minimum to average earnings

The ABS May 2026 survey shows full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week—more than double the minimum. All employees average $1,579.20 per week. These figures include higher‑paid workers, so the minimum is a floor, not a typical wage. For more detailed rate tables, visit our Rate tables page.

Important notes

These national rates apply to national‑system employees. Some state public sector and local government employees, and some Western Australian sole traders and partnerships, are covered by state awards instead. A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum. This guide is for orientation only—it is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always confirm your specific obligations with the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional.

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