Does the national minimum wage apply to a day trader salary?

It depends on your employment status. If you are an employee of a trading firm and not covered by an award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) applies. However, most day traders work as independent contractors or sole traders, and the national minimum wage does not cover self‑employed people. Check your contract and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance on employee vs contractor.

What is the average day trader salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific average for day traders. Earnings vary widely depending on capital, strategy, and market conditions. Without a reliable survey, we cannot provide a median figure. Your actual income may be much higher or lower than the national minimum wage.

Can a day trader be covered by a modern award?

No modern award specifically covers day trading. If you are an employee in a related role (e.g., a financial dealer or investment adviser), you may be covered by the Banking, Finance and Insurance Award 2020. That award has its own minimum rates, which are higher than the national minimum wage. Check the award classification or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool.

Day trader salary: comparing your earnings to Australia's minimum wage

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026, but day traders are often self-employed and not entitled to this floor.

Day trader salary and the legal minimum

If you earn a day trader salary in Australia, you may wonder how your income compares to the legal pay floor. The national minimum wage is the baseline for employees, but day traders are often self‑employed. This guide explains the rules and helps you check your rate.

The national minimum wage for employees

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week, as set by the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that this rate applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. If you are an employee of a trading firm and no award applies, your employer must pay at least this amount. Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Why day trader salaries are different

Most day traders operate as sole traders or through a company. They are not employees, so the national minimum wage does not apply. Your day trader salary is whatever you earn from trading minus costs. There is no legal minimum for self‑employed income. However, if you hire staff for your trading business, you must pay them at least the national minimum wage or the relevant award rate.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

Some day traders work as employees of banks, brokers, or proprietary trading firms. In that case, a modern award may apply. The Banking, Finance and Insurance Award 2020 covers financial dealers and investment advisers. Its minimum rates are higher than the national minimum wage. For example, the lowest ongoing classification under that award is above $26.44 per hour. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates. Always check your award or agreement first.

Comparing your hourly rate

To see how your day trader salary stacks up, convert your weekly or monthly income to an hourly rate. Divide your gross pay by hours worked. If you are an employee and your hourly rate is below $26.44, your employer may be underpaying you. If you are self‑employed, the national minimum wage is a useful benchmark but not a legal requirement.

What about casual loading?

If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the national minimum wage, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. Day traders are rarely casual employees, but if you are, ensure you receive the correct rate.

Junior, apprentice, and supported wages

Not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) have lower special national minimum wages. For example, a 17‑year‑old award‑free junior earns $15.29 per hour. Apprentices and trainees follow rates in the Miscellaneous Award. Employees with a disability may have a supported wage. These exceptions do not usually apply to day traders, but be aware if you employ juniors.

How to check your pay

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to find the correct minimum for your situation. You can also browse our rate tables for award rates. For more detail on how the figures work, see our methodology page.

Superannuation and tax

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings for employees. If you are self‑employed, you can choose to make voluntary super contributions. Tax on your day trader salary depends on your residency and total income. For 2026‑27, resident rates apply with the full tax‑free threshold. Medicare levy of 2% applies once annualised ordinary gross income exceeds $30,000. This guide does not constitute tax advice.

Summary

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. A day trader salary is not automatically covered by this floor unless you are an employee. If you are an employee, check your award or agreement for higher rates. If you are self‑employed, use the minimum wage as a reference point. For more guidance, visit Which minimum wage applies or our Guides.