What is the current national minimum wage for full-time adults?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees must get at least $33.05 per hour including the 25% casual loading.

Minimum Full Time Wage Australia: What You Need to Know in 2026

Q: How does the minimum wage compare to average earnings?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is more than double the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week. The average includes overtime and higher-skilled roles.

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage for full-time adults is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, with a 25% casual loading of $33.05 per hour.

Minimum Full Time Wage Australia: A Practical Check

If you are looking for the minimum full time wage Australia, the answer depends on your award, agreement, or whether you are award-free. This guide helps you separate the legal floor from averages and negotiated rates.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. These figures are before tax. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the rules.

This minimum applies to employees in the national system who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Most private-sector workers are in the national system. State public sector and local government employees in some states may be under state awards.

Award and agreement rates

Most employees are covered by a modern award. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. However, the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates limited to the first six months must be at least $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Enterprise agreements can set higher rates but cannot go below the award or national minimum. Always check your award or agreement first. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator for your specific classification.

How the average compares

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 national minimum. The average includes overtime, bonuses, and higher-skilled roles. It is a survey average, not a legal floor.

What about super?

Employers must pay super guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 2026, the rate is 12%. For a full-time employee on the national minimum, that adds about $120.59 per week to the employer's cost. Super is not deducted from the wage; it is paid separately into a super fund.

Practical check: Is your rate above the floor?

Take your hourly rate. If you are award-free and over 21, it must be at least $26.44 per hour. If you are casual, at least $33.05 per hour. If you are under an award, compare your classification rate. If you are a junior, apprentice, or trainee, special rates apply. See our rate tables for junior percentages and award summaries.

If your rate is below the floor, speak to your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. This site does not give legal advice. For more detail on how we calculate figures, see How the figures work.

Summary

The minimum full time wage Australia is $26.44 per hour for adults not covered by an award or agreement. Awards can set higher rates. The average full-time wage is much higher. Always check your specific situation. Super is an extra employer cost. Use the official tools from the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission for your exact pay.