What is the national minimum wage for an adult employee from 1 July 2026?

The Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This applies to award‑free and agreement‑free employees in the national system. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour.

How do I know if my award covers me and sets a higher hr salary?

Most employees are covered by a modern award that sets minimum pay rates higher than the national minimum. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the coverage clause in your award. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour.

Does my super guarantee count as part of my hr salary?

No. The super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. It is not part of your hourly rate or your gross pay. Your hr salary refers to the cash wage before tax and before super is added.

Check your hr salary against Australia's minimum wage from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026 the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), but your award or agreement may set a higher rate.

Your hr salary: a practical check against Australia's pay floors

If you're trying to make sense of your hr salary – that is, your hourly rate – the first step is knowing which pay floor applies to you. Australia has several minimum wages, and the one you're entitled to depends on your industry, award coverage, age, and employment type. This guide walks you through the key figures from 1 July 2026 and shows you how to compare your rate.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This is the base rate for employees who are not covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. If you're a casual employee, you're entitled to a 25% loading, bringing the minimum casual rate to $33.05 per hour.

But not every worker receives $26.44 an hour. The law allows lower rates for:

Junior employees (under 21): percentages of the adult rate apply. For example, a 17‑year‑old award‑free junior gets $15.29 per hour ($19.11 casual).
Apprentices and trainees: rates are set by the Miscellaneous Award 2020, not the junior percentages.
Employees with disability: a supported wage may be assessed individually.
Introductory award rates: some awards have entry‑level rates for the first six months, which cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Award rates: often higher than the national minimum

Most Australian employees are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries or occupations, and they are almost always higher than the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the Fair Work Commission ensured that the lowest ongoing classification in any award is at least $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (limited to the first six months) must be at least $25.74 per hour.

To find your award rate, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the classification structure in your award. Your employer must pay you at least the award rate for your classification. If you're covered by an enterprise agreement, the base pay rate in that agreement cannot be less than the award rate.

Survey averages: what other workers earn

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings figures that give you a broader picture. In May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week (about $54.83 per hour based on a 38‑hour week). All employees (including part‑time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week in total earnings. These are averages, not minimums – your hr salary may be above or below depending on your role, experience, and industry.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

If you're not covered by an award, your employer and you can negotiate a salary. However, the base rate must still meet the national minimum wage (or the relevant award rate if one applies). Enterprise agreements set out minimum employment conditions for a group of employees and must pass the Better Off Overall Test. Your negotiated hr salary can be higher than the award or agreement rate, but never lower.

Super guarantee: an extra on top

Remember that the super guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is an employer contribution paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. It is not part of your hr salary. When comparing your rate to the minimum, look only at your gross cash wage before tax and before super.

How to check your hr salary

Identify your award – most employees are covered. Use the Which minimum wage applies page to start.
Find your classification – awards have different pay levels for different roles.
Compare your hourly rate to the award minimum for your classification.
If award‑free, compare to the national minimum wage ($26.44/h) or the junior/apprentice rate that applies.
Check your pay slip – your base rate should match or exceed the minimum. If you're casual, the loading should be shown separately.

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

What if your rate is below the minimum?

If you believe you're being paid less than the legal minimum, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice. They enforce the national minimum wage and award rates. Your employer cannot ask you to work for less, and you cannot waive your entitlement.

A note on rounding

The adult weekly national minimum is published as $1,004.90. Multiplying $26.44 by 38 hours gives $1,004.72 – a difference of 18 cents due to rounding in the Fair Work Commission's order. The official weekly figure is the one to use.

This guide is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. Always check the specific award or agreement that applies to you.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.