What is the current national minimum wage in Australia?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Does my employer have to pay me the national minimum wage?

Not necessarily. The national minimum wage applies only to award‑free and agreement‑free employees in the national system. If you are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement, that document sets a higher minimum rate. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported‑wage employees may be paid less than the adult rate. Always check your award or agreement first.

How does superannuation affect my minimum wage check?

Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026 the super guarantee rate is 12%. It is not part of your take‑home pay and cannot be counted towards meeting the minimum wage. For example, if you earn $26.44 per hour, your employer must also pay $3.17 per hour into your super fund.

Minimum wage in Australia: how to check your hourly rate against the legal floor

From 1 July 2026 the adult national minimum wage in Australia is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week, with a casual loading of 25% taking it to $33.05 per hour.

How to check your hourly rate against the minimum wage in Australia

If you are an employee in Australia, knowing the minimum wage in Australia is the first step in making sure you are paid fairly. The national minimum wage is the legal floor for award‑free and agreement‑free employees. But your actual minimum might be higher if a modern award or enterprise agreement covers you. This guide helps you compare your hourly rate with the correct pay floor.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage from 1 July 2026

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From the first full pay period on or after 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, so the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. These figures include the ordinary hourly rate only; superannuation is paid on top.

If you are award‑free and agreement‑free, your employer must pay you at least this amount. But many employees are covered by a modern award, which often sets a higher minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot be less than $26.44 per hour, but the award rate for your job may be higher. Introductory rates (first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Separating the legal minimum from other pay concepts

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

Survey averages: 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 about $54.83 per hour. This is an average, not a minimum. Many workers earn less, and many earn more.
Award rates: If your job is covered by a modern award, the award sets the minimum pay for your classification. Award rates are usually higher than the national minimum. You can find your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Negotiated salaries: Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can set pay above the award or national minimum. But they cannot undercut the legal floor.

Always check which applies to you. The Which minimum wage applies page can help you decide.

Superannuation is an employer payment on top

When you compare your hourly rate to the minimum wage, remember that superannuation is extra. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if you earn $26.44 per hour, your employer must also pay $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay and cannot be used to meet the minimum wage obligation.

Junior, apprentice, and supported wages

Not every worker must receive the adult rate. Award‑free juniors have percentage‑based minimums:

Under 16: $9.73 per hour (casual $12.16)
16: $12.51 per hour (casual $15.64)
17: $15.29 per hour (casual $19.11)
18: $18.06 per hour (casual $22.58)
19: $21.82 per hour (casual $27.28)
20: $25.84 per hour (casual $32.30)
21 and over: $26.44 per hour (casual $33.05)

Apprentices and trainees who are award‑free follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages. Supported wages for people with disability may also be lower.

How to check your own hourly rate

Find your hourly rate on your payslip (before tax).
Determine if you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If yes, look up the minimum for your classification. If no, use the national minimum wage.
Compare your rate to the applicable floor. If your rate is below, your employer may be breaking the law.
Remember that casual employees should receive the casual loading on top of the base rate.

For a full list of rates, see the Rate tables page. For more detail on how figures are calculated, visit How the figures work.

What to do if you think you are underpaid

If your hourly rate is below the legal minimum, start by talking to your employer. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice. They can help you understand your rights and, if needed, take action to recover unpaid wages.

This site provides orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always check the official sources: the Fair Work Commission for the national minimum wage, the Fair Work Ombudsman for award and agreement information, and the Australian Taxation Office for superannuation rules.