What is the current national minimum wage in Australia?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates may be lower.

Is superannuation paid on top of the minimum wage?

Yes. The super guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund. This is on top of the hourly or weekly wage. For a worker earning the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week, the employer must also contribute $120.59 in super.

Average salary Brisbane: how the legal minimum compares with market rates

Q: How does the average salary in Brisbane compare with the national minimum?

The on‑site reference does not include a specific average salary for Brisbane. The ABS May 2026 survey reports national full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week and all‑employee average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week. Brisbane figures are likely similar but may vary by industry. The legal minimum is a floor; most workers earn above it under an award or agreement.

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but a precise average salary for Brisbane is not available in this reference; typical market rates may be higher under awards or agreements.

Average salary Brisbane and the legal minimum

When you search for the average salary Brisbane, you are likely looking for a typical market rate rather than the legal floor. This guide explains how the national minimum wage, award rates, and survey averages differ, and what that means for workers in Brisbane. The figures here come from the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. 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. However, many workers in Brisbane are covered by an award or agreement that sets a higher minimum.

Award rates and the backstop

Most private‑sector employees in Brisbane are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum wages for specific industries and occupations. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. An introductory rate (first six months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. If you are unsure which award applies, see Which minimum wage applies for guidance.

Survey averages from the ABS

The ABS publishes average earnings figures for Australia. In May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all‑employee average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These are national averages, not Brisbane‑specific. The ABS also releases regional data, but that is not included in this reference. The average salary in Brisbane is likely close to the national average, but can vary by industry. For example, professional services and mining tend to pay above average, while retail and hospitality pay closer to award rates.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on ordinary time earnings. This is an additional payment, not deducted from the wage. For a worker earning the national minimum of $1,004.90 per week, the employer contributes $120.59 to super. For someone earning the national average of $2,083.70 per week, the super contribution would be $250.04. Super is not included in the wage figures quoted by the Fair Work Commission or the ABS.

Tax and take‑home pay

Income tax and Medicare levy reduce gross pay. For the 2026‑27 tax year, a single resident earning the national minimum of $52,254.80 per year (52 weeks × $1,004.90) would pay approximately $5,092 in tax plus $1,045 in Medicare (2% of gross above $30,000), leaving about $46,118 after tax and Medicare. This is a rough estimate; the low‑income tax offset and other factors can change the outcome. For the average full‑time earner ($108,352 per year), tax and Medicare would be higher. See Rate tables for more examples.

What about Brisbane specifically?

This reference does not contain a single figure for the average salary in Brisbane. The legal minimum is the same across Australia, but market rates differ by city and industry. If you are negotiating a salary in Brisbane, you should research industry‑specific surveys or check relevant award classifications. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates. Remember that the legal minimum is a floor; you cannot be paid less than the applicable award or national minimum, whichever is higher.

Key distinctions

Legal minimum: $26.44 per hour (adult, award‑free).
Award rate: Often higher, set by industry.
Survey average: National average $2,083.70 per week for full‑time adults.
Negotiated salary: Can be above the award or agreement rate.

Always check your employment contract and the applicable award. For more details on how figures are calculated, see How the figures work.

Frequently asked questions

See the FAQ section above for answers on the national minimum, Brisbane averages, and superannuation.