What is the minimum wage casual rate for adults in Australia?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage casual rate is $33.05 per hour. This includes a 25% casual loading on the base rate of $26.44 per hour. The Fair Work Commission sets this rate, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

Can my employer pay me less than the minimum wage casual rate?

Generally, no. The national minimum wage casual rate is the legal floor for award-free and agreement-free employees. However, juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on certain award introductory rates may be paid less. A modern award or enterprise agreement can also set a higher rate, but never lower.

Does the minimum wage casual rate include superannuation?

No. The casual hourly rate is your before-tax wage. Superannuation is paid on top at 12% of your ordinary time earnings (as of 2026-27). For a casual earning $33.05 per hour, the employer must also contribute an additional $3.97 per hour into your super fund.

Minimum Wage Casual: Your Guide to the Casual Pay Floor in Australia

The adult national minimum wage casual rate from 1 July 2026 is $33.05 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.

Understanding the minimum wage casual rate

If you are a casual employee in Australia, the minimum wage casual rate is your legal pay floor. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage casual rate is $33.05 per hour, which includes a 25% casual loading on the base rate of $26.44 per hour. This rate applies to national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement.

How to check your casual pay against the minimum

To see if you are being paid correctly, compare your hourly rate (before tax) to the casual minimum. If you are 21 or over and award-free, your rate must be at least $33.05 per hour. For juniors under 21, the percentages in the table below apply to the adult casual rate. For example, a 17-year-old casual must receive at least $19.11 per hour (57.8% of $33.05).

Age	% of adult rate	Minimum casual rate per hour
Under 16	36.8%	$12.16
16	47.3%	$15.64
17	57.8%	$19.11
18	68.3%	$22.58
19	82.5%	$27.28
20	97.7%	$32.30
21+	100%	$33.05

These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s reference and apply to award-free employees. If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum casual rate may be higher. Check Which minimum wage applies to see if an award covers you.

Separating the legal minimum from other pay concepts

It is important to distinguish the legal minimum from other figures:

Legal minimum: The national minimum wage casual rate set by the Fair Work Commission. This is the absolute floor.
Award rate: A modern award can set a higher minimum for your industry or role. For example, the Hospitality Award may have a higher casual rate for certain classifications.
Survey average: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These are averages, not minimums.
Negotiated salary: Some employees bargain for a higher rate through an enterprise agreement or individual contract. This must still be at least the legal minimum.

Superannuation is on top

Remember that the casual hourly rate is your wage. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% (from 2026-27) on top of your ordinary time earnings. For a casual earning $33.05 per hour, that is an extra $3.97 per hour into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.

When a different rate applies

If you are an apprentice or trainee, your minimum wage is based on the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages above. Also, some state public sector and local government employees may be covered by state awards. For most private-sector employees, the national system applies. See our Rate tables for more details.

Practical check: comparing your hourly rate

Take your hourly rate (before tax) and compare it to the relevant floor from the table above. If your rate is lower, your employer may be underpaying you. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice. If your rate is higher, that is fine – the minimum is just the floor.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered three common questions above. For more guidance on how the figures work, visit How the figures work.