How do I know if I am covered by an award?

Most employees in the national workplace relations system are covered by a modern award that applies to their industry or occupation. You can check using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or look up your award on the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. If you are not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies.

What are the junior rates for award-free employees?

For award-free employees under 21, junior rates are a percentage of the adult national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026: under 16 – $9.73/h, 16 – $12.51/h, 17 – $15.29/h, 18 – $18.06/h, 19 – $21.82/h, 20 – $25.84/h. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top. These rates apply only if no award or agreement covers you; awards may have different junior rates.

Does gross salary include super? Award coverage vs award-free rates in Australia

Q: Does gross salary include super?

No. Gross salary is the amount of pay before tax is taken out. Superannuation is an additional payment your employer must make on top of your gross salary. As of 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid each payday into your nominated super fund. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that the minimum wage refers to gross pay, and super is a separate entitlement.

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026), but award-covered employees may be entitled to higher rates; gross salary does not include super.

Does gross salary include super?

One of the most common questions about Australian pay is does gross salary include super? The short answer is no. Gross salary is the amount you earn before tax is deducted. Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of your gross salary, calculated as a percentage of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, and employers must pay it each payday into your nominated fund. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that the minimum wage refers to gross pay, and super is a separate entitlement under the National Employment Standards. This distinction is important when comparing job offers or checking your pay against legal minimums.

Award coverage vs award-free rates

Australia has a multi-tiered pay system. The two main categories are:

Award-covered employees: Most employees in the national system are covered by a modern award that sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, and allowances for their industry or occupation. Award rates are often higher than the national minimum wage.
Award-free employees: If no award or registered agreement applies, the national minimum wage (or a junior/apprentice rate) is the legal floor.

The national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission reviews and sets the national minimum wage each year. As of 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to award-free employees who are 21 or over. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees with disability may be paid less under specific rules.

Award rates can be higher

If you are covered by a modern award, the minimum pay in that award applies instead of the national minimum wage. Many awards have classification levels that pay above $26.44 per hour. For example, the lowest ongoing classification under an award cannot fall below the national minimum, but introductory rates (limited to the first 6 months) can be as low as $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides detailed spreadsheets of minimum rates, allowances, and penalties for each award. Always check your award first, as it may entitle you to more than the national minimum.

Award-free junior rates

For award-free employees under 21, junior rates are a percentage of the adult national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026:

Under 16: $9.73/h (casual $12.16/h)
16: $12.51/h (casual $15.64/h)
17: $15.29/h (casual $19.11/h)
18: $18.06/h (casual $22.58/h)
19: $21.82/h (casual $27.28/h)
20: $25.84/h (casual $32.30/h)
21 and over: $26.44/h (casual $33.05/h)

These rates only apply if you are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. Awards often have their own junior rates, which may be different.

How super fits in

Remember, all these figures are gross pay. Super is additional. If your gross salary is $26.44 per hour, your employer must also pay $3.17 per hour (12%) into your super fund. When comparing job offers, always look at the total package: gross salary plus super. The Fair Work Ombudsman notes that super is an entitlement under the National Employment Standards, and failure to pay it on time can result in penalties.

Which minimum wage applies to you?

To determine your correct minimum wage:

Check if you are covered by a modern award. Use the Which minimum wage applies guide on this site or the Fair Work Ombudsman's online tools.
If no award applies, you are award-free and the national minimum wage (or junior/apprentice rate) is your floor.
If an enterprise agreement covers you, that agreement sets your minimum rates, which must be at least as high as the relevant award or the national minimum wage.

For a full breakdown of current rates, see our Rate tables page.

Common misconceptions

"Gross salary includes super" – No. Super is a separate employer contribution. Your pay slip should show gross pay and super separately.
"Everyone gets $26.44 per hour" – Not necessarily. Award-covered employees may get more; juniors, apprentices, and trainees may get less.
"The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the minimum wage" – No. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates. The Ombudsman explains and enforces them.

Summary

Understanding does gross salary include super is key to knowing your true earnings. Gross salary is your pre-tax earnings; super is an extra employer payment on top. Your legal pay floor depends on whether you are award-covered or award-free. Always check your award or agreement first. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (adult), with junior rates for under 21s. Always check the How the figures work page for detailed methodology and rounding notes.