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 or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour ordinary week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply to national‑system employees who are award‑free and agreement‑free.

How do I know if I'm covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement?

Most private‑sector employees are covered by a modern award that matches their industry or occupation. Awards often set higher minimum rates than the national minimum. An enterprise agreement can also provide a higher rate. You can check your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website or use the [Which minimum wage applies](/) guide on this site. If no award or agreement covers you, the national minimum wage applies.

Does an hourly to salary calculator include superannuation?

No, a standard hourly to salary calculator typically shows gross pay before super. Under the Super Guarantee, your employer must pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into your super fund. For example, on a $26.44 hourly rate, the employer pays about $3.17 per hour extra in super. Always add super separately when comparing total remuneration.

Using an Hourly to Salary Calculator to Check Your Pay Against the Minimum Wage

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, with a casual loading of $33.05 per hour.

How an Hourly to Salary Calculator Helps You Check Your Pay

An hourly to salary calculator is a handy tool for converting your hourly rate into weekly, monthly, or annual figures. Whether you're negotiating a new job, checking a pay rise, or simply want to see how your earnings stack up, this calculator gives you a quick snapshot. But to make sense of the numbers, you need to know which pay floor applies to you.

Australia has several layers of minimum pay. The legal floor is the national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour ordinary week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. These are the bare minimums for award‑free and agreement‑free employees.

Separating the Legal Minimum from Other Rates

Your actual pay may be higher than the national minimum. Many workers are covered by a modern award that sets a higher minimum for their occupation or industry. For example, the Hospitality Award or the General Retail Award often have rates above $26.44. An enterprise agreement negotiated at your workplace can also set a higher rate. If you’re award‑free and agreement‑free, the national minimum is your safety net.

It’s important not to confuse the legal minimum with a survey average or a market rate. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That’s about $54.83 per hour for a 38‑hour week – well above the minimum. But averages can be misleading; they include senior roles and long‑tenured employees. Your own rate depends on your industry, experience, and location.

Using the Calculator with Superannuation

When you use an hourly to salary calculator, remember that the result is gross pay before tax and before super. Employers must pay an additional 12% superannuation guarantee on top of your ordinary time earnings. So if your hourly rate is $26.44, your employer actually pays about $29.61 per hour including super. This is not part of your take‑home pay but is a valuable benefit.

Junior, Apprentice, and Supported Wage Rates

Not every worker receives the adult minimum. The Fair Work Commission allows lower rates for juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on supported wages. For award‑free juniors, the percentages of the adult rate are:

Under 16: 36.8% ($9.73/h, casual $12.16/h)
16: 47.3% ($12.51/h, casual $15.64/h)
17: 57.8% ($15.29/h, casual $19.11/h)
18: 68.3% ($18.06/h, casual $22.58/h)
19: 82.5% ($21.82/h, casual $27.28/h)
20: 97.7% ($25.84/h, casual $32.30/h)
21 and over: 100% ($26.44/h, casual $33.05/h)

Apprentices and trainees who are award‑free follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Always check your specific situation.

How to Use the Calculator for a Practical Check

Enter your hourly rate into an hourly to salary calculator.
Compare the weekly result to the national minimum of $1,004.90 (or your award rate if applicable).
Add 12% for super to see the total employer cost.
Remember that tax, Medicare levy (2% once annualised ordinary gross exceeds $30,000), and other deductions will reduce your net pay.

If your hourly rate is below $26.44 (and you’re an adult not covered by a junior or training rate), you may be underpaid. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

Internal Resources

For more detail, see our Rate tables for all current minimums, or read our Guides on how awards and agreements affect your pay.

Final Note

An hourly to salary calculator is a starting point. It gives you a number, but understanding the legal framework behind that number is essential. The national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. Many employees earn above it through awards, agreements, or market negotiation. Always check which pay floor applies to you and remember that super is an extra employer payment on top.