What is the current national minimum wage in Australia?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. This applies to employees not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Casual employees get an additional 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

Do I get paid more if I work under a modern award?

Yes. Modern awards set minimum pay rates that are often higher than the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, most award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot be less than $26.44 per hour. Some awards have introductory rates (for the first 6 months) that can be as low as $25.74 per hour. Always check your award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

What if I'm under 21 or an apprentice?

Junior employees (under 21) who are award‑free are paid a percentage of the national minimum wage 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 special rates under the Miscellaneous Award. If you are covered by an award, the award's junior or apprentice rates apply instead.

Is your messi salary as high as the minimum? How to check your pay floor

As of 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but most employees are covered by a modern award which may set a higher rate.

Is your messi salary above the legal floor?

You might have heard the phrase "messi salary" thrown around when people talk about huge pay packets. But for most Australian workers, the real question is whether your pay meets the legal minimum. Whether you earn a superstar wage or something more modest, every employee in the national system is entitled to at least the national minimum wage – unless a modern award or enterprise agreement sets a higher rate.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026

The Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage each year. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, the rate is:

$26.44 per hour
$1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour ordinary week

If you are a casual employee who is award‑free, you get a 25% loading on top, giving you $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave.

These figures are set by the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the rules. Use their [Which minimum wage applies](/ to find your correct pay floor.

Award rates: a higher floor for most

Most employees are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries or occupations. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rose by 4.75%, but no ongoing classification can fall below the national minimum. Some awards have introductory rates for new starters (limited to the first 6 months) that can be as low as $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you work under an enterprise agreement, your base rate cannot be less than the relevant award rate. Always check your award or agreement – it may give you a higher minimum than the national figure.

Junior, apprentice and supported wages

Not everyone gets the adult national minimum. Award‑free juniors (under 21) are paid a percentage of the national minimum:

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 have their own rates under the Miscellaneous Award. Employees with a disability may have a supported wage based on their productivity. These are all legal minimums – they are not optional underpayments.

Superannuation: an extra payment on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. This means if your ordinary hourly rate is $26.44, your employer must pay an additional $3.17 per hour into your super fund. Super is not deducted from your wage – it is an extra cost for the employer.

How does your messi salary compare to the average?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. All employees (including part‑time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week in total earnings. These are survey averages, not legal minimums. Your negotiated salary can be much higher than the minimum, but it cannot be lower.

A practical check

To see if your messi salary meets the legal floor:

Find your hourly rate (gross, before tax).
Check if you are covered by a modern award – use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.
If award‑free, compare your rate to the national minimum wage ($26.44/h for adults).
If you are junior, apprentice, or have a disability, apply the correct percentage.
Remember that super is paid on top, not taken out of your wage.

If your rate is below the minimum, your employer may be breaking the law. You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.

For more detail, see our Rate tables and Guides on how to calculate your correct pay.

Important notes

The national minimum wage applies only to national‑system employees who are award‑free and agreement‑free. Most private‑sector workers are in the national system, but some state public sector and local government employees (and some WA sole traders) may be under state awards.
A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum.
The adult weekly national minimum is published as $1,004.90. Multiplying $26.44 by 38 gives $1,004.72 due to rounding – the official figure is $1,004.90.
Casual weekly figures on this site are the published casual hourly rate times 38 ordinary hours, with no penalty rates.

This information is a practical guide only. It is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice.