How does the average salary compare to the minimum wage?

The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. In contrast, the ABS average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week. This average includes many workers covered by awards or agreements that pay above the minimum.

What is the difference between the minimum wage and an award rate?

The national minimum wage is the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission. Modern awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries and occupations, which are often higher than the national minimum. For example, from 1 July 2026, award rates rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates for the first six months are $25.74 per hour.

Does the average salary include superannuation?

No, the ABS average earnings figures are before tax and do not include the super guarantee. Employers must pay super of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. So if you earn the average salary of $2,083.70 per week, your employer would also contribute $250.04 to your super fund.

What is the Average Salary in Australia? Understanding Minimum Wages and Earnings

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026, while the ABS reports average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week as of May 2026.

What is the Average Salary in Australia?

When you ask "what is the average salary in Australia", the answer depends on which measure you use. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes two key figures: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings and all employees average total earnings. As of May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings sit at $2,083.70 per week, while all employees average total earnings are $1,579.20 per week. These are survey averages, not legal minimums. The legal floor is the national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. This guide separates the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries, and explains how superannuation fits in.

The Legal Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage applies to award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. Most private-sector workers are covered, though some state public sector and local government employees (and some Western Australian sole traders and partnerships) fall under state awards. The adult rate from 1 July 2026 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. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and workers on introductory award rates can be paid less. For award-free juniors, percentages range from 36.8% for under-16s to 97.7% for 20-year-olds. Apprentice and trainee rates follow the Miscellaneous Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules. For more on which rate applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies.

Average Earnings from the ABS

The ABS average salary figures come from its Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours. The full-time adult ordinary-time earnings measure ($2,083.70 per week) reflects the typical pay of full-time employees before tax and super. The all employees average ($1,579.20 per week) includes part-time and casual workers, so it is lower. Neither figure is a legal requirement; they are statistical benchmarks. Your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on your industry, occupation, and agreement. The national minimum wage is far below these averages, meaning most workers earn above the floor. However, some award-free employees on junior or introductory rates may earn close to the minimum.

How Awards and Agreements Affect Pay

Modern awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries and occupations. These rates are often higher than the national minimum. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (for the first six months) are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. If you are covered by an award or agreement, your minimum pay is that document's rate, not the national minimum. Always check your award or agreement first. For detailed rate tables, see Rate tables.

The Role of Superannuation

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026. For example, if you earn the average full-time salary of $2,083.70 per week, your employer must also contribute $250.04 to your super fund. This is not included in the ABS average earnings figures or in the national minimum wage. When comparing pay, remember that super is extra. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour does not include super; it is paid in addition.

Factors That Can Lower Pay

Not every worker receives $26.44 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and workers on introductory award rates can be paid less. Supported wages for employees with disability may also be lower. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum, but the Ombudsman enforces it. If you are award-free and over 21, you must receive at least the adult minimum. If you are under an award, check the applicable classification. Negotiated salaries can be above or below the average, but never below the legal floor.

Summary

To answer "what is the average salary in Australia", the ABS says full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week. But the legal minimum is $1,004.90 per week. Most workers earn somewhere in between, depending on their award, agreement, or negotiation. Super of 12% is paid on top. Always verify your specific situation with the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional. This site provides orientation only; it is not a pay determination or legal advice.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.