Using salary surveys to check your pay against the legal minimum
The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but salary surveys often report higher market rates; the precise market rate for your role is not in this reference.
Salary surveys and the legal minimum wage
Salary surveys are a common tool for understanding what other workers earn in similar roles. They can help you gauge whether your pay is competitive. However, it is important to separate the market average from the legal minimum. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, which is the lowest amount most award-free employees can be paid. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.
How salary surveys compare with award rates
Many employees are covered by a modern award, which sets minimum pay rates for specific industries and occupations. Award rates are often higher than the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but many classifications are higher. An introductory rate for the first six months is capped at $25.74 per hour. Salary surveys typically report rates above award minimums, but your employer must pay at least the award rate. If you are award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum applies.
Enterprise agreements and negotiated salaries
An enterprise agreement can set pay rates that are higher than the award or national minimum. Salary surveys may reflect rates paid under such agreements, but the agreement itself is a legally binding document. If you are negotiating a salary, a survey can provide a benchmark, but your legal floor is determined by the applicable award or the national minimum. Superannuation is an additional employer payment of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, so factor that into total remuneration.
Practical check: comparing your hourly rate
To check if your pay meets the legal minimum, find your hourly rate (excluding super) and compare it to the relevant floor. If you are an adult award-free employee, the floor is $26.44 per hour. If you are covered by an award, look up the classification rate. Junior employees, apprentices, and trainees have different minimums. For award-free juniors, the rates range from $9.73 per hour (under 16) to $25.84 per hour (20 years old). Salary surveys may show higher figures for your age group, but the legal minimum is what your employer must pay.
Where to find more information
For a full list of current minimum rates, see the Rate tables page. If you need guidance on which pay floor applies to you, the Which minimum wage applies page can help. Remember that salary surveys are not a substitute for legal advice. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources to understand your entitlements.
Limitations of salary surveys
Salary surveys vary in methodology, sample size, and currency. They may not reflect your specific industry, location, or experience level. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, but that is an average, not a minimum. Your pay must be at least the legal floor, regardless of what a survey says. If you believe you are underpaid, check your award or agreement and contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Superannuation on top
All minimum wage figures on this site are base rates. Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. When reviewing a salary survey, confirm whether it includes super. Your total employment cost is your base pay plus super.
Internal resources
- Guides for detailed explanations of award coverage and junior rates.
- How the figures work to understand rounding and calculation methods.
Questions people ask next
How do salary surveys differ from the national minimum wage?
Salary surveys collect data from employers and employees to show typical pay for a role, industry, or location. The national minimum wage is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission. A salary survey average is often higher than the minimum, but it is not a legal requirement. Your pay must be at least the minimum, but can be higher if a modern award or enterprise agreement applies.
Can I rely on a salary survey to know my minimum legal entitlement?
No. Salary surveys show market rates, not legal minimums. Your minimum entitlement depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, enterprise agreement, or the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules. Always check the relevant award or agreement before using a salary survey to negotiate.
Does superannuation appear in salary surveys?
Most salary surveys report base salary excluding super. The super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer. When comparing your pay to a salary survey, remember that super is an additional employer cost, not part of your take-home pay. The legal minimum wage figures on this site do not include super.
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