482 visa salary requirements: How to check your hourly rate against the legal floor

The legal salary floor for a 482 visa holder is the higher of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $76,515 per year (about $38.72 per hour for a 38-hour week) and any applicable award or enterprise agreement rate.

What are the 482 visa salary requirements?

The 482 visa salary requirements set the minimum pay that a sponsored worker must receive. The key figure is the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently $76,515 per year as specified in the Migration (IMMI 18/033) Instrument 2018 (compiled to 25 March 2026). This is the legal floor for base salary, excluding superannuation. Your employer must also pay the super guarantee (12% on top) and ensure your total remuneration is at least equal to what an Australian worker doing equivalent work would earn.

Separating the legal minimum from other rates

It is important to distinguish between different pay concepts:

Legal minimum for 482 visa holders: The TSMIT of $76,515 per year (about $38.72 per hour for a 38-hour week). This is set by the Department of Home Affairs and is not the same as the national minimum wage.
National minimum wage: Set by the Fair Work Commission, currently $26.44 per hour for adults from 1 July 2026. This applies to award-free employees but is lower than the TSMIT.
Award rates: Many occupations covered by modern awards have minimum rates that may be higher than the TSMIT. For example, a chef under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award may have a higher minimum. The 482 visa salary requirements state that the annual market salary rate must be at least the award rate if one applies.
Survey averages: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). This is an average, not a minimum, and is higher than the TSMIT.
Negotiated salary: Your actual pay may be above the minimum based on your skills and the market. The 482 visa salary requirements only set a floor, not a ceiling.

How to check your hourly rate against the 482 visa salary requirements

If you are paid by the hour, convert the TSMIT to an hourly figure:

Annual TSMIT: $76,515
Divide by 52 weeks: $1,471.44 per week
Divide by 38 ordinary hours: $38.72 per hour

Compare this to your hourly rate. If your rate is below $38.72, your salary may not meet the visa requirement. However, if you work fewer than 38 hours per week (e.g., part-time), the weekly equivalent must still reach $1,471.44. Also, if a modern award or enterprise agreement applies, you must be paid at least the award rate, which could be higher than the TSMIT.

Superannuation is on top

The TSMIT is base salary only. Your employer must pay the super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) on top of that salary. For example, if your base salary is $76,515, your employer must contribute an additional $9,181.80 to super, making total employment cost $85,696.80.

When can a higher rate apply?

A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher minimum than the TSMIT. For example, the Miscellaneous Award may apply to award-free employees, but many skilled occupations have specific awards. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman's website for your award. If you are covered by an award, the award rate is the legal minimum for your 482 visa salary requirements.

What about high-income earners?

If your annual earnings (including bonuses, commissions, etc.) are $250,000 or more, the TSMIT requirement does not apply. However, you must still be paid the annual market salary rate for an equivalent Australian worker.

Summary

The 482 visa salary requirements are straightforward: your base salary must be at least $76,515 per year (or the award rate if higher), plus super. Use the hourly equivalent of $38.72 as a quick check, but always verify your specific award or agreement. For more details on which minimum wage applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also explore Rate tables for award rates and national minimum wage figures.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TSMIT for 2026?

As of 25 March 2026, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is $76,515 per year. This is the minimum annual base salary (excluding superannuation) that a 482 visa holder must be paid, unless an exemption applies (e.g., annual earnings of $250,000 or more).

Does the 482 visa salary requirement include superannuation?

No. The TSMIT and the annual market salary rate are based on base salary and other monetary remuneration (like bonuses and allowances) but do not include the superannuation guarantee. Your employer must pay the super guarantee (currently 12%) on top of the salary that meets the 482 visa salary requirements.

How do I compare my hourly rate to the 482 visa salary requirements?

Divide the TSMIT ($76,515) by 52 weeks and then by your ordinary weekly hours (typically 38). That gives an hourly equivalent of about $38.72. If your hourly rate is below that, your salary may not meet the visa requirement. However, if a modern award or enterprise agreement sets a higher rate, that higher rate becomes the floor. Always check both the TSMIT and any applicable industrial instrument.

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