What is the casual minimum wage in Australia for 2026-27?

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage for casual award-free adult employees is $33.05 per hour (or $1,255.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours). This includes a 25% casual loading on the permanent rate of $26.44 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Does the casual minimum wage include superannuation?

No, the $33.05 per hour casual minimum wage does not include superannuation. Employers must pay an additional 12% super guarantee on ordinary time earnings, making the total minimum cost to the employer about $37.02 per hour for a casual award-free adult.

Can a casual employee be paid less than $33.05 per hour?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Junior employees (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates or supported wages may be paid less. For example, a 17-year-old award-free casual receives $19.11 per hour. Always check the relevant modern award or enterprise agreement, as they can set higher rates than the national minimum.

Casual Minimum Wage Australia: Your Guide to the 2026-27 Pay Floor

The casual minimum wage for award-free adult employees in Australia is $33.05 per hour from 1 July 2026, plus 12% superannuation.

Understanding the Casual Minimum Wage in Australia

When people search for "casual minimum wage australia", they often want to know the legal pay floor for casual employees. The answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no agreement at all. This guide explains the national minimum for casuals, how it compares to other rates, and what you need to know about superannuation and tax.

The Legal Minimum for Casual Employees

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour for permanent employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading to compensate for lack of paid leave and other entitlements, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05 per hour. For a 38-hour week, that equals $1,255.90. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, making the total minimum cost about $37.02 per hour.

These rates apply to national-system employees who are award-free and agreement-free. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. However, a modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum. Always check your award or agreement first.

Junior, Apprentice, and Introductory Rates

The $33.05 per hour casual rate is for adult employees (21 and over). Award-free juniors receive a percentage of the adult rate:

Under 16: $12.16 per hour casual
16 years: $15.64 per hour casual
17 years: $19.11 per hour casual
18 years: $22.58 per hour casual
19 years: $27.28 per hour casual
20 years: $32.30 per hour casual
21 and over: $33.05 per hour casual

Apprentices and trainees (award-free) are covered by the Miscellaneous Award, not these junior percentages. Introductory rates for new award-free employees (first 6 months) are $25.74 per hour permanent or $32.18 per hour casual (125% loading).

How Awards and Agreements Affect the Casual Rate

Modern awards often have their own casual rates that may be higher than the national minimum. For example, the Hospitality Award or the General Retail Award specify minimum rates for casuals that include the loading. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The national minimum is a floor, not a ceiling. If your award or agreement says you should be paid more, that higher rate applies.

Comparing the Casual Minimum to Other Benchmarks

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. The casual minimum of $1,255.90 per week is lower than these averages, which is expected for a legal floor. Many casuals earn above the minimum due to award rates, penalty rates, or negotiated salaries.

What People Often Get Wrong

A common mistake is thinking the casual minimum wage is the same as the permanent minimum wage. The casual loading of 25% is mandatory for award-free employees. Another mistake is forgetting that superannuation is paid on top. Some also assume all casuals get $33.05 per hour, but juniors, apprentices, and those on introductory rates can legally be paid less. Always verify your specific situation.

Superannuation and Tax Considerations

Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer on top of your hourly rate. For tax year 2026-27, resident rates apply with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare levy is estimated at 2% once annualised ordinary gross income reaches $30,000. This guide does not cover the low income tax offset, HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. For personalised advice, consult a tax professional.

For more information, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables. You can also explore our Guides for detailed explanations of awards and agreements.

Summary

The casual minimum wage in Australia for award-free adults is $33.05 per hour from 1 July 2026, plus 12% super. Juniors and others may receive less. Awards and agreements can set higher rates. Always check your coverage and entitlements.