How do I find the award that covers my job?

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the coverage clause (usually clause 4) in the relevant award. You can also browse award summaries on the Fair Work website.

What if my award rate is lower than the national minimum wage?

From 1 July 2026, the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Some introductory rates for the first 6 months may be lower, but they must be at least $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Do casual employees get a loading on top of the minimum wage?

Yes. Casual employees covered by the national minimum wage receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Award casual loadings may differ, so check your award.

Contact smart salary: Understanding the minimum wage floor in Australia

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but most employees are covered by an award that may set a higher rate.

Contact smart salary: Know your pay floor

When you want to contact smart salary information—whether you are negotiating a new role, checking your current pay, or advising someone else—the first step is understanding the legal minimum that applies. In Australia, the pay floor is not a single number for everyone. It depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This guide explains how to find the right minimum and how it compares with typical earnings.

The national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week, as confirmed by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This applies to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. If you are award‑free and agreement‑free, this is your legal minimum before tax. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings.

Award rates are usually higher

Most employees in Australia are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries or occupations, and these rates are often higher than the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing rate in any award cannot fall below the national minimum. Some awards have introductory rates for new employees, limited to the first 6 months, which must be at least $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. To find your award, use the Which minimum wage applies page or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool.

Enterprise agreements and individual arrangements

If your workplace has an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets the minimum pay and conditions. The base rate in the agreement cannot be less than the base rate in the relevant award. Similarly, if you have a individual flexibility arrangement or a contract, it cannot undercut the award or the national minimum wage. A negotiated salary above the minimum is always allowed, but the legal floor remains the award or national minimum, whichever applies.

How the minimum compares with average earnings

The national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is more than double the minimum. The average total earnings for all employees (including part‑time and casual) was $1,579.20 per week. These figures show that most workers earn well above the minimum, but the minimum still protects the lowest‑paid.

Tax and super on your weekly packet

When you look at your weekly pay, remember that the minimum wage is gross pay. Tax is withheld by your employer under PAYG. For the 2026‑27 income year, a single resident earning the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week would have an annual gross of about $52,255. After the tax‑free threshold and the low‑income tax offset, the tax bill is modest, but Medicare levy of 2% applies once income exceeds $30,000. Superannuation is an additional 12% paid by your employer on top of your gross pay—it is not deducted from your wage.

Special rates for juniors, apprentices, and trainees

The national minimum wage does not apply uniformly to everyone under 21. Award‑free junior employees receive a percentage of the adult rate based on age. For example, a 16‑year‑old gets 47.3% ($12.51 per hour) and a 20‑year‑old gets 97.7% ($25.84 per hour). Apprentices and trainees have their own rates set by the Miscellaneous Award. Supported wage rates apply for employees with disability. Always check the Rate tables for the correct figure.

What if you still have questions?

If you are unsure which rate applies to your job, start with the Guides section. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice. Remember, this site provides orientation only—it is not a pay determination or legal advice. For a precise answer, refer to your award or agreement, or speak to your employer or a workplace relations professional.

How the figures work explains the rounding and calculations used on this site. About this site outlines our independent approach.