Does a 15-year-old get superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the super guarantee (currently 12%) on top of ordinary time earnings if the employee earns $450 or more in a calendar month. This applies regardless of age. The super is paid in addition to the hourly wage.

Can a 15-year-old be paid less than the junior rate?

No. The junior rate is the legal minimum for award-free employees. Paying less would breach the Fair Work Act. However, if a modern award or enterprise agreement covers the role, the award rate applies and may be higher than the junior percentage. Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award.

Minimum Wage Australia for a 15-Year-Old: Legal Floor and Junior Rates

Q: What is the minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia?

For award-free employees, the national minimum wage for a 15-year-old (under 16) is 36.8% of the adult rate. From 1 July 2026, that equals $9.73 per hour for permanent employees or $12.16 per hour for casuals (including the 25% casual loading). If a modern award or enterprise agreement covers the job, the award rate applies and may be higher.

For award-free 15-year-olds, the legal minimum is $9.73 per hour (permanent) or $12.16 per hour (casual) from 1 July 2026, with super on top.

What is the minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia?

The national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission each year. For adults (21 and over) from 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. But for junior employees under 21, the law allows a percentage of the adult rate. For a 15-year-old who is award-free and not covered by an enterprise agreement, the applicable percentage is 36.8% of the adult minimum. That works out to $9.73 per hour for permanent employees and $12.16 per hour for casuals (the casual rate includes a 25% loading).

These figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s published junior pay rates. The Fair Work Commission determines the national minimum wage; the Ombudsman explains and enforces it. The rates above apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

It is important to remember that the national minimum wage is a floor. Many 15-year-olds work in industries covered by a modern award, such as retail, hospitality, or fast food. In those cases, the award sets the minimum pay, which is often higher than the junior percentage. For example, the General Retail Industry Award has its own junior rates that may be more generous. Always check the relevant award first.

How does the legal minimum compare to other pay concepts?

Legal minimum vs. survey average – The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings figures, such as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). These averages reflect adult full-time workers and are not relevant to a 15-year-old’s pay. There is no published survey average for 15-year-old workers, so the legal floor is the only reliable benchmark.

Legal minimum vs. award rate – A modern award can set a higher minimum than the national junior percentage. If a 15-year-old is employed in a job covered by an award, the award rate applies. The award may also include penalty rates for weekends, late nights, or public holidays. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Rate tables can help you find the correct award classification.

Legal minimum vs. negotiated salary – An enterprise agreement or individual contract can pay more than the minimum, but never less. Some employers choose to pay above the award or junior rate to attract staff. However, the legal floor remains the minimum that must be paid.

Superannuation – On top of the hourly wage, employers must pay the super guarantee, currently 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is an additional cost for the employer and is not deducted from the employee’s wage. For a 15-year-old earning $9.73 per hour, the super contribution would be about $1.17 per hour, paid into a super fund.

When can a 15-year-old be paid more than the minimum?

A 15-year-old can be paid more than the junior rate in several situations:

If a modern award covers the job and sets a higher rate for that age or classification.
If an enterprise agreement specifies a higher rate.
If the employer chooses to pay above the minimum as a market incentive.

It is also possible that a 15-year-old is employed as an apprentice or trainee. In that case, the Miscellaneous Award (for award-free employees) sets separate apprentice and trainee rates, which are not based on the junior percentages. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on these rates.

Important considerations: casual loading, tax, and record-keeping

Casual loading – Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of paid leave entitlements. For a 15-year-old, the casual rate is $12.16 per hour. This is already included in the figure above.

Tax – A 15-year-old earning under the tax-free threshold ($18,200 for 2026-27) may not need to pay income tax, but they should still lodge a tax return. The Medicare levy (2%) applies once annual income exceeds $30,000. The low-income tax offset can reduce tax for lower earners. This site does not provide tax advice; consult the ATO or a tax professional.

Record-keeping – Employers must keep accurate time and pay records. Employees should check their payslips to ensure they are receiving at least the minimum wage, including any applicable loading.

For more details on which pay floor applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. You can also explore Guides for common scenarios.

Summary

The minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia is $9.73 per hour (permanent) or $12.16 per hour (casual) for award-free employees from 1 July 2026. If an award or agreement covers the job, the rate may be higher. Superannuation is paid on top. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s resources for your specific industry and age.