How do I know if my hourly rate meets the legal minimum?

First, check which modern award covers your job using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is your floor. If an award applies, compare your rate to the award classification rate. Your smart salary contact – payroll or HR – can confirm your award and classification.

What should I do if my pay is below the minimum?

Contact your employer or payroll team (your smart salary contact) to raise the discrepancy. If unresolved, you can lodge an underpayment claim with the Fair Work Ombudsman. They enforce minimum wages and can recover unpaid amounts. Keep records of your hours and payslips.

Does superannuation count towards the minimum wage?

No. The super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. It is not part of the minimum wage. Your hourly or weekly base rate must meet the legal minimum before super is added. Your smart salary contact should ensure super is calculated correctly on your ordinary hours.

Smart Salary Contact: How to Check Your Hourly Rate Against the Legal Minimum

As of July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour for adult award-free employees, but most workers are covered by awards or agreements that set higher rates.

Smart salary contact: your first step to checking pay

When you have a smart salary contact – whether it's your payroll officer, HR manager, or an online tool – the most important check is whether your hourly rate meets the legal minimum. This guide explains the different pay floors in Australia and how to compare your rate.

The national minimum wage

From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week . This applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

But the national minimum is only the starting point. Most Australian workers are covered by a modern award, which often sets higher minimum rates. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, with a backstop that no ongoing classification can fall below the national minimum. Introductory rates (for the first six months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week .

Award rates and enterprise agreements

If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum pay is set by the award classification that matches your duties. Use the Which minimum wage applies guide to find your award. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates, but never lower than the relevant award. Your smart salary contact can tell you which instrument covers your employment.

Lower rates for some employees

Not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Award‑free junior employees (under 21) have percentage‑based minimums:

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

Apprentices and trainees have separate rates based on the Miscellaneous Award. Employees with a disability may have a supported wage. Your smart salary contact should apply the correct rate for your age and employment type.

How superannuation fits in

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is not part of your minimum wage – it is an additional payment. When discussing your rate with a smart salary contact, clarify whether the figure quoted is base pay or total package including super.

Comparing to average earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that in May 2026, full‑time adult average ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. The national minimum wage is well below these averages, which reflects that many workers earn above the floor under awards or agreements.

Practical steps with your smart salary contact

Find your award – use the Rate tables to look up your industry.
Check your classification – confirm your job level matches the award description.
Compare your hourly rate – include any casual loading or penalty rates if applicable.
Verify super – ensure 12% is calculated on your ordinary hours.

If your smart salary contact cannot resolve a pay query, the Fair Work Ombudsman provides free advice and enforcement.

Summary

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but most workers are entitled to more under an award or agreement. Always use your smart salary contact to confirm the correct rate for your situation. For more detail, see our Guides on award coverage and How the figures work.