Minimum Wage Australia 17 Year Old: Award-Free Junior Rates and Legal Floors

Minimum Wage Australia 17 Year Old: Know Your Legal Floor

If you are 17 years old and working in Australia, the minimum wage you are entitled to depends on whether a modern award or enterprise agreement covers your job. For award-free employees—those not covered by any award or agreement—the national minimum wage for a 17-year-old is set as a percentage of the adult rate. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. The junior percentage for a 17-year-old is 57.8%, giving a minimum of $15.29 per hour (or $19.11 per hour for casual employees, which includes a 25% casual loading).

How the Junior Rate Works

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. For employees under 21 who are not covered by an award or agreement, the Commission prescribes junior percentages. These percentages are based on age and are designed to reflect lower experience and productivity. The percentages are:

• Under 16: 36.8% ($9.73/h, casual $12.16/h)
• 16 years: 47.3% ($12.51/h, casual $15.64/h)
• 17 years: 57.8% ($15.29/h, casual $19.11/h)
• 18 years: 68.3% ($18.06/h, casual $22.58/h)
• 19 years: 82.5% ($21.82/h, casual $27.28/h)
• 20 years: 97.7% ($25.84/h, casual $32.30/h)
• 21 and over: 100% ($26.44/h, casual $33.05/h)

These rates apply to national-system employees. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. If you work in state public sector or local government, or in Western Australia as a sole trader or partnership, different state awards may apply. Always check your coverage.

Award Coverage vs Award-Free

Many 17-year-olds work in industries covered by modern awards—for example, retail, hospitality, fast food, or general clerical. Modern awards often have their own junior rates, which are usually higher than the award-free percentages. For instance, the General Retail Industry Award 2020 sets a junior rate for a 17-year-old at about 60% of the adult award rate, which from 1 July 2026 will be higher than $15.29. Similarly, the Hospitality Industry General Award and the Fast Food Industry Award have specific junior scales. If you are covered by an award, your employer must pay at least the award rate, not the lower award-free floor.

Enterprise agreements can also set pay rates, but they must not undercut the relevant award or the national minimum wage. If you are unsure which award applies, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online tool or check your employment contract.

What About Superannuation?

Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This applies to all employees aged 18 and over, and to those under 18 who work more than 30 hours per week. However, from 1 July 2026, the $450 per month threshold is removed, meaning even part-time and casual 17-year-olds will generally be entitled to super if they earn any amount. Super is not deducted from your wage; it is an additional payment your employer must make into a super fund.

How Does the Legal Minimum Compare to Other Figures?

The award-free junior minimum for a 17-year-old is $15.29 per hour. This is significantly lower than the adult national minimum of $26.44 and far below the ABS May 2026 estimate of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week ($54.83 per hour based on a 38-hour week). The ABS figure includes all adult employees, many with years of experience and higher qualifications. As a 17-year-old, your pay will naturally be lower as you gain skills and experience. The legal minimum is a floor, not a target. Many employers pay above the minimum, especially if you are covered by an award or if the market demands higher wages.

Important Distinctions

• Legal minimum: Set by the Fair Work Commission. For award-free 17-year-olds, it is $15.29/h.
• Award rate: Set by the Fair Work Commission in each modern award. Often higher than the award-free junior rate.
• Enterprise agreement rate: Negotiated between employer and employees (or their union). Must be at least the award rate.
• Survey average: The ABS reports average earnings for all employees, which is not a legal requirement. For a 17-year-old, the average is likely lower than the adult average but still above the minimum.

What If You Are an Apprentice or Trainee?

If you are a 17-year-old apprentice or trainee and not covered by an award, the Miscellaneous Award 2020 sets the minimum rates. These are different from the junior percentages and depend on your year of apprenticeship or trainee stage. Apprentice rates are generally higher than the junior award-free rate. Always check the specific award or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s apprentice pay guides.

Summary

For a 17-year-old award-free employee, the minimum wage is $15.29 per hour (or $19.11 casual). If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum is likely higher. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum, and the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces it. For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and the Rate tables on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum wage for a 17-year-old in Australia? A: The answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If you are award-free and not covered by an agreement, the national minimum wage for a 17-year-old is $15.29 per hour (or $19.11 per hour as a casual, which includes a 25% casual loading). This is 57.8% of the adult national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. If you are covered by an award, the award rate applies and is usually higher. Always check your award or agreement first.

Q: Do I get superannuation as a 17-year-old? A: Yes, if you earn $450 or more in a calendar month (from 1 July 2026, the $450 threshold is removed, but the super guarantee still applies). Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings. This applies regardless of your age, as long as you are an employee. Super is paid in addition to your hourly or weekly wage.

Q: Can my employer pay me less than the junior rate for a 17-year-old? A: No. The junior percentage rates set by the Fair Work Commission are the legal minimum for award-free employees. For a 17-year-old, the minimum is $15.29 per hour (or $19.11 casual). Paying less than this is unlawful. However, if you are an apprentice or trainee, different rates apply under the Miscellaneous Award. Also, some state-system employees may have different rules. If you believe you are being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

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