Does every Australian worker get the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour?

No. The national minimum wage applies only to employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Many workers are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. Also, junior employees, apprentices, trainees, and workers on introductory award rates may be paid less than the adult national minimum. Always check your award or agreement first.

Is superannuation included in the minimum wage?

No. The minimum wage rates quoted ($26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week) are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a full-time worker on the national minimum, that adds about $120.59 per week to your total remuneration, paid into your super fund.

How does the national minimum wage compare to the average wage in Australia?

The national minimum wage is much lower than average earnings. According to the ABS (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. The national minimum of $1,004.90 is about 48% of the full-time average and 64% of the overall average. Most employees earn above the minimum because their award or agreement sets higher rates.

What's the minimum wage in Australia? Understanding the legal floor and what it means for your pay

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time award-free employee, with casual loading of $33.05 per hour.

What's the minimum wage in Australia? The legal floor explained

If you've searched "whats the minimum wage in australia", you're likely trying to understand the lowest legal pay you or someone else should receive. The answer depends on your industry, age, experience, and whether you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. This guide breaks down the different pay floors and common misunderstandings.

The national minimum wage (award-free employees)

From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set the adult national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to national-system employees who are not covered by any modern award or enterprise agreement. Most private-sector employees are in the national system, but some state public sector and local government employees, and some Western Australian sole traders and partnerships, may be covered by state awards instead.

It is important to remember that the national minimum is a floor, not a target. Many workers are entitled to higher pay under a modern award or an enterprise agreement. If your job is covered by an award, the award rate is your minimum – and it is often higher than the national minimum.

Award rates and the backstop

Modern awards set minimum wages for specific industries and occupations. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, most award rates increased by 4.75%. However, the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Awards also have an introductory rate for the first six months of employment, which cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you are covered by an award, your pay must be at least the award rate for your classification. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates. The national minimum only applies if no award or agreement covers you.

Junior, apprentice, and supported wages

Not every worker receives the adult rate. For award-free employees, junior percentages apply based on age:

Under 16: 36.8% ($9.73/h, casual $12.16/h)
16: 47.3% ($12.51/h, casual $15.64/h)
17: 57.8% ($15.29/h, casual $19.11/h)
18: 68.3% ($18.06/h, casual $22.58/h)
19: 82.5% ($21.82/h, casual $27.28/h)
20: 97.7% ($25.84/h, casual $32.30/h)
21 and over: 100% ($26.44/h, casual $33.05/h)

Apprentices and trainees who are award-free follow rates in the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Supported wages for employees with disability may also be lower under a supported wage system. Always check the specific rules that apply.

Superannuation: an extra payment on top

When discussing minimum pay, it is essential to remember that the super guarantee is paid on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. For a full-time employee on the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week, the employer must contribute an additional $120.59 into the employee's super fund. This is not part of the wage you receive in hand, but it is a compulsory benefit.

How the minimum compares to average earnings

The national minimum wage is often confused with what people actually earn. According to the ABS (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week – more than double the minimum. All employees (including part-time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week. The minimum is a safety net, not a reflection of typical pay. Most employees earn more because their award or agreement sets higher rates, or because they negotiate above the minimum.

Which minimum wage applies to you?

To find your correct minimum, follow these steps:

Check if you are covered by a modern award – use the Fair Work Ombudsman's tool or ask your employer.
If covered, the award rate is your minimum. If not, the national minimum applies.
Consider your age, experience, and employment type (full-time, part-time, casual).
Remember that enterprise agreements can set higher rates, but never lower than the award or national minimum.

For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables. You can also read our Guides on common pay issues.

Common mistakes people make

Assuming the national minimum is the only minimum. Most workers are under an award with higher rates.
Forgetting super. The quoted rates are before super; employers must pay 12% extra.
Thinking juniors get the adult rate. Junior rates are lower and based on age.
Confusing average earnings with the minimum. The ABS average is much higher.

Summary

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult award-free employees, with casual loading to $33.05. However, your actual minimum may be higher if you are under an award or agreement. Always check your specific situation. Super is paid on top. For more information, visit our Topics page or How the figures work.