What is the TSMIT for 2026?

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for 2026 is $76,515 per year, as specified in the Migration (IMMI 18/033) Instrument (compilation date 25 March 2026). This is the minimum annual earnings that must be paid to a sponsored worker under the Subclass 482 visa, unless a higher annual market salary rate applies.

Does the 482 visa minimum salary include superannuation?

No. The TSMIT of $76,515 is the minimum salary before superannuation. The employer must also pay the super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. So the total cost to the employer is at least $76,515 plus super.

Can an award or enterprise agreement require a higher salary than the TSMIT?

Yes. If a modern award or enterprise agreement covers the occupation, the salary must meet the award or agreement rate, which may be higher than the TSMIT. Additionally, the annual market salary rate must be at least what an equivalent Australian worker would earn. The TSMIT is only the legal floor for the visa; the actual pay floor is the higher of the TSMIT, the award rate, or the market rate.

482 visa minimum salary 2026: the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold explained

The 482 visa minimum salary for 2026 is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold of $76,515 per year, but the actual salary must also meet the annual market salary rate and any applicable award or agreement.

Understanding the 482 visa minimum salary 2026

The 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is set by the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is $76,515 per year. This figure comes from the Migration (IMMI 18/033) Instrument, as amended and in force on 25 March 2026. It is the minimum annual earnings that a sponsor must pay to a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa holder (or a Skills in Demand visa holder). However, the TSMIT is not the only pay floor that applies. The actual salary must also satisfy the annual market salary rate (AMSR) and any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement.

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

The TSMIT for 2026 is $76,515 per year. This amount is specified in the legislative instrument for the purposes of the Migration Regulations. It applies to nominations made on or after 18 March 2018, including for the 482 visa. The instrument also sets a higher threshold of $250,000 per year: if the sponsored worker’s annual earnings reach that level, the sponsor does not need to demonstrate that the salary meets the AMSR. For most 482 visa applicants, the TSMIT is the starting point.

It is important to understand that the TSMIT is an annual figure, not an hourly rate. If you divide $76,515 by 52 weeks, you get about $1,471 per week. That is well above the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). The TSMIT is designed to ensure that sponsored workers are paid a genuine skilled wage, not a rock-bottom rate.

How the TSMIT compares to other pay floors

The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee (38 hours). The TSMIT weekly equivalent of $1,471 is about 46% higher. However, many skilled occupations covered by modern awards have minimum rates that are already above the TSMIT. For example, a Software Engineer under the Professional Employees Award 2020 has a minimum annual salary well above $76,515. In those cases, the award rate becomes the effective pay floor.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. The TSMIT weekly equivalent sits below that average, reflecting that it is a minimum threshold, not a market benchmark.

The role of awards and enterprise agreements

If a modern award covers the nominated occupation, the salary must meet the award’s minimum rate. The TSMIT does not override an award; the higher of the two applies. Similarly, if an enterprise agreement covers the workplace, the agreement rate must be paid. The annual market salary rate (AMSR) is determined by looking at what an equivalent Australian worker would earn, using pay slips, job ads, or industry surveys. The AMSR can be higher than both the TSMIT and the award rate.

For occupations where no award applies, the AMSR is determined by reference to relevant information such as job advertisements or remuneration surveys. The TSMIT remains the absolute floor, but the AMSR will often be higher.

Superannuation and other payments

Superannuation is paid on top of the salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if the salary is $76,515, the employer must also contribute at least $9,181.80 in super. The TSMIT is a pre-super figure. Some sponsors mistakenly think the TSMIT includes super, but it does not.

Common misconceptions

A common error is to treat the TSMIT as an hourly rate. It is not. Another is to assume that the national minimum wage applies to 482 visa holders. While the national minimum wage is a backstop for all employees, the TSMIT is the specific visa requirement and is almost always higher. Also, the TSMIT is not a “salary package” that can be reduced by non-monetary benefits; it must be paid as cash earnings.

If you are unsure which pay floor applies to your situation, our Guides explain how to determine the correct rate. You can also check our Rate tables for current award minimums.

Summary

The 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is $76,515 per year, but the actual salary you must pay is the highest of the TSMIT, the applicable award or agreement rate, and the annual market salary rate. Always check the specific requirements for the occupation and ensure super is paid on top. For more detail on how these figures are calculated, see How the figures work.