Australia’s minimum wage 2025: what the legal floor was and how it compares

The Australian minimum wage in 2025: what you need to know

If you are searching for the aus minimum wage 2025, you are likely trying to find the legal pay floor that applied during that year. The national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. For the 2025-26 financial year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026), the adult national minimum wage was $24.95 per hour or $948.00 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees received a 25% loading, making the casual rate $31.19 per hour.

It is important to understand that this rate is only the legal minimum for employees who are not covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. Most Australian workers are covered by an award, which often sets higher minimum pay rates. For example, the lowest classification in a modern award cannot be less than the national minimum, but many awards have rates above $24.95 per hour. An enterprise agreement negotiated between an employer and employees can also set higher rates.

How the legal minimum differs from other pay figures

The national minimum wage is not the same as the average wage, an award rate, or a negotiated salary. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week — more than double the national minimum. That average includes many higher-paid professional and managerial roles. The all-employees average total earnings (including part-time and casual) was $1,579.20 per week. These averages are not minimums; they reflect the mix of jobs in the economy.

Award rates are set by the Fair Work Commission for specific industries and occupations. They often include penalty rates, allowances, and higher base rates. If you are covered by an award, your minimum pay is the award rate, not the national minimum. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates, but they cannot undercut the award or the national minimum.

Superannuation guarantee: an extra cost on top

When discussing pay, remember that the superannuation guarantee is an employer payment on top of ordinary time earnings. For the 2025-26 year, the super guarantee rate was 11.5% of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, it rose to 12%. This means if an employee earned $948 per week, the employer also had to contribute an additional $109.02 (at 11.5%) into the employee’s super fund. The super guarantee is not part of the minimum wage; it is a separate legal obligation.

Who might be paid less than the adult minimum?

Not every worker receives $24.95 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) who are award-free are paid a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 17-year-old award-free junior was entitled to 57.8% of the adult rate, or $14.42 per hour in 2025. Apprentices and trainees have their own minimum rates under the Miscellaneous Award. Supported-wage employees and those on introductory award rates (first six months) may also be paid less. Always check the specific rules that apply.

Using this site as a reference

This guide is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. To find the exact rate that applies to your situation, start with Which minimum wage applies and consult the Rate tables for current and historical figures. If you are covered by a modern award, check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. The national minimum wage is a floor, not a target — many employees are entitled to more.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered the most common questions about the 2025 minimum wage in the FAQ section above. For further detail, see our Guides on how minimum wages interact with awards and agreements, or read How the figures work to understand the methodology behind the numbers.