AFLW salary and the national minimum wage floor

AFLW salary and the minimum wage floor

When discussing the AFLW salary, it is important to understand the legal minimum pay that applies to all employees in Australia. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.26 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This is the base rate for adult employees who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement.

How the AFLW salary compares with the national minimum

The specific AFLW salary is not available from the provided search results, but any AFLW player must be paid at least the national minimum wage unless a junior, apprentice, or supported wage applies. Most employees are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, which can set higher rates. For example, the Fair Work Ombudsman notes that minimum award wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates for the first six months are capped at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Casual loading and junior rates

If an AFLW player is a casual employee, they receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For award-free casuals, that is $33.05 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) have special national minimum wages based on age percentages. For example, a 19-year-old award-free junior earns $21.82 per hour, or $27.28 per hour casual. These rates apply only if no award or agreement covers the employee.

Superannuation on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is separate from the salary figure. For an AFLW player earning the national minimum wage, the employer would pay an additional 12% super.

What the research shows

The provided search results from the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman confirm the national minimum wage and award increase figures. No specific AFLW salary data was found in these results. To find the correct pay for an AFLW player, use the Which minimum wage applies guide or check the Rate tables for relevant awards.

Key points to remember

• The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.
• Award-free casuals get $33.05 per hour.
• Junior rates apply to employees under 21 who are not covered by an award.
• Super is paid on top of the salary.
• The specific AFLW salary is not provided in the search results; consult the relevant award or agreement.

For more detail on how these figures are calculated, see the How the figures work page.