Who is entitled to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage applies to employees in the national system who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. If you are covered by an award or agreement, your minimum pay is likely higher than the national minimum. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees may receive less.

What are the junior rates for award-free employees?

For award-free employees under 21, the national minimum wage is reduced by a percentage of the adult rate: under 16: $9.73 per hour (36.8%), 16: $12.51 (47.3%), 17: $15.29 (57.8%), 17: $18.06 (68.3%), 18: $21.82 (82.5%), 20: $25.84 (97.7%). At 21 and over, the full adult rate of $26.44 applies. Casual rates include the 25% loading on top of these rates.

Does the national minimum wage include superannuation?

No, the national minimum wage is the base rate before super. Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, on a $1,004.90 weekly wage, the employer adds $120.59 in super. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra payment to your super fund.

What's the Minimum Wage in Australia? The National Minimum Wage Explained

As of 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adult award-free employees, with a casual rate of $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading.

Understanding the National Minimum Wage

If you are asking "what's the minimum wage in australia", you are looking for the legal pay floor that applies to most employees. The answer depends on your age, your award coverage, and whether you are casual. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. The national minimum from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for an adult award-free employee. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If you are under an award, the award rate is likely higher. The award backstop ensures no ongoing classification falls below the national minimum. Introductory rates for the first six months of a new award classification are $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Who Gets the Minimum Wage?

The national minimum wage applies to award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. Some state public sector and local government employees, and some Western Australian sole traders and partnerships, are covered by state awards instead. If you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, your minimum rate is set by that document and is usually higher than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission's annual wage review increased award rates by 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum. Introductory rates for the first six months of an award classification are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Junior and Supported Wage Rates

For award-free employees under 21, the national minimum wage is reduced by a percentage of the adult rate. The percentages and corresponding hourly rates are: under 16: 36.8% ($9.73), 16: 47.3% ($12.51), 17: 57.8% ($15.29), 18: 68.3% ($18.06), 19: 82.5% ($21.82), 20: 97.7% ($25.84). At 21 and over, the full adult rate applies. Casual loading of 25% is added to these junior rates. Apprentice and trainee rates for award-free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Supported wage employees may receive a proportion of the minimum wage based on their productive capacity.

How Does the Minimum Wage Compare to Averages and Awards?

The national minimum wage is a legal floor, not a market average. According to the ABS May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. The minimum wage is about half of the average full-time wage. Many workers earn more than the minimum because of awards, enterprise agreements, or negotiated salaries. A modern award sets minimum rates for specific industries and occupations, often higher than the national minimum. An enterprise agreement can set rates above the award. Negotiated salaries are private arrangements but must still meet the legal floor and any applicable award or agreement minimums.

Superannuation on Top

Remember, superannuation is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 2026-27. For a full-time employee on the national minimum wage, the employer contributes an additional $120.59 per week to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra payment. Super is calculated on ordinary time earnings, not on overtime or penalty rates.

Which Minimum Wage Applies to You?

To determine which pay floor applies, check if you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If not, the national minimum wage applies. If you are under an award, look up the award classification and rate. The Which minimum wage applies page can help you identify your coverage. For detailed rate tables, see the Rate tables page. Remember that the figures on this site are for orientation only and do not constitute pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation.

History of the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage has increased over recent years: 1 July 2023: $23.23 per hour ($882.80 per week); 1 July 2024: $24.10 per hour ($915.90 per week); 1 July 2025: $24.95 per hour ($948.00 per week); 1 July 2026: $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). These increases reflect the Fair Work Commission's annual review. The adult weekly national minimum is the published $1,004.90 figure. Multiplying $26.44 by 38 lands 18 cents lower because of rounding in the order. Casual weekly figures on this site are the published casual hourly rate times 38 ordinary hours, with no penalty rates.

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