What is the national minimum wage in Australia?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. It applies to employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wages can be lower.

What is a good salary in Australia for a full-time worker?

A 'good' salary is subjective. The ABS May 2026 full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week (about $108,352 per year). That is an average, not a median. Many factors like industry, location, and experience affect what is considered good. The legal minimum is a floor, not a target.

What is a good salary in Australia? Minimum wage, award rates and average earnings

Q: How does the national minimum compare to award rates?

Award rates are usually higher than the national minimum. From 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum ($26.44/h). Introductory rates limited to the first 6 months cannot sit under $25.74/h. Check your award to see the exact rate.

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week as of 1 July 2026, but a 'good' salary is typically well above this floor, with the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at $2,083.70 per week.

What is a good salary in Australia?

When you ask "what is a good salary in Australia", the answer depends on your industry, location, experience, and personal circumstances. There is no single figure, but you can start by understanding the legal minimum, the average earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and the award rates that apply to many jobs. This guide separates the legal floor from survey averages and negotiated salaries, so you can make an informed decisions.

The legal minimum: the national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This applies to adult employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rates. and provide the official figures. Note that this rate is before tax (gross pay). Employers also pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. Casual employees receive a casual loading of 25% on the national minimum, making $33.05 per hour.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

Most employees are covered by a modern award that sets minimum pay rates, penalties, and allowances. From 1 July 2026, minimum award wages increase by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum ($26.44/h). Introductory rates limited to the first 6 months cannot sit under $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the base pay rate cannot be less than the relevant award. Always check your award or agreement for the exact rate. Rate tables provide a summary of common awards.

Average earnings from the ABS

The ABS publishes average weekly earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. All employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These are averages, not medians. A salary above the average might be considered good, but it is not a target for everyone. Many factors affect what is a good salary in Australia for your situation.

Negotiating a salary

When negotiating, consider the award rate or national minimum as the floor. A good salary is often above the average for your occupation. Use resources like the ABS data and industry reports to benchmark. Remember that super is paid on top of your salary. The tax system also affects take-home pay. For the 2026-27 tax year, resident rates with the full tax-free threshold apply, and Medicare is estimated at 2% once annualised ordinary gross reaches $30,000. This model leaves out the low income tax offset, HELP, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge. How the figures work explains our calculations.

Putting it together

To answer "what is a good salary in Australia", start with the legal minimum: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Then compare with the average full-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. Your own good salary will depend on your industry, experience, and location. Use award rates as a guide if you are covered. Negotiate based on your skills and the market. This site provides orientation only; it is not a pay determination or legal advice. Guides provide more detail on specific topics.