What is the median salary in Melbourne?

Our reference does not include a specific median salary figure for Melbourne. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. The ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week nationally in May 2026. Median earnings are typically lower than the average, but we cannot provide a precise Melbourne median from the on-site data.

How does the median salary compare to the minimum wage?

The median salary is generally higher than the minimum wage because it reflects the middle point of all salaries, including many above the legal floor. The national minimum wage is the lowest amount most adult employees can be paid, but many workers earn more under awards or agreements. Without a specific Melbourne median, we can only note that the legal minimum is $26.44 per hour, while the average full-time weekly earnings are $2,083.70.

Does the median salary include superannuation?

No, median salary figures are usually reported as gross wages before superannuation. Under Australian law, employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. So if a worker’s salary is $60,000, the employer also contributes $7,200 to super. When comparing salaries to legal floors, remember that super is an additional cost for employers and a benefit for employees.

Median Salary Melbourne: How It Compares to Australia’s Legal Pay Floors

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but the median salary for Melbourne is not in our reference; we discuss the legal floors and averages.

Understanding the median salary for Melbourne

When you search for the median salary Melbourne, you are likely looking for a typical earnings figure that sits in the middle of all salaries in the city. However, this site focuses on legal pay floors, not survey medians. Our reference does not contain a specific median salary for Melbourne. Instead, we explain the national minimum wage, award rates, and average earnings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This helps you see how any salary compares to the legal baseline.

The legal floor: national minimum wage

From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee working 38 ordinary hours. This is the lowest amount most award-free and agreement-free employees can be paid. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings by the employer. For example, an adult earning the weekly minimum of $1,004.90 would also have $120.59 contributed to super.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

Many employees are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement, which can set higher minimum rates than the national minimum. For instance, 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 of employment are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. If you are covered by an award, check the specific classification rate. Enterprise agreements negotiated between employers and employees (or unions) can also provide above-minimum pay. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules, while the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum.

Junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates

Not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Award-free juniors (under 21) have percentage-based minimums: for example, a 16-year-old gets 47.3% of the adult rate ($12.51 per hour, casual $15.64). Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates. Supported wages for employees with disability may also be lower. Always check your specific situation.

ABS average earnings vs. median

The ABS May 2026 survey reported full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week nationally. That is an average, not a median. The average is pulled up by high earners, so the median is typically lower. For all employees (including part-time and casual), average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These figures are before tax and super. A median salary for Melbourne would likely fall somewhere between the minimum wage and the average, but we do not have that figure in our reference.

Tax and Medicare on the weekly packet

If you earn the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week, your annualised ordinary gross income is about $52,254.80. For the 2026-27 tax year, resident rates with the full tax-free threshold apply. Medicare levy is estimated at 2% once annualised ordinary gross reaches $30,000. So a minimum-wage earner would pay some tax and Medicare, but the low income tax offset and other adjustments are not modelled here. Remember that super is an employer payment on top, not part of your take-home pay.

How to find your correct pay floor

If you are unsure which rate applies, start with the Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for award classifications and junior percentages. For more detail on how figures are calculated, see How the figures work. Remember that this site provides orientation only, not a pay determination or legal advice.

Summary

The median salary for Melbourne is not available in our on-site reference. The legal minimum for adult award-free employees is $26.44 per hour, with super on top. Award and agreement rates can be higher. ABS averages give a national benchmark, but medians differ. Always check your award or agreement, and consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for enforcement.