Is there a separate minimum wage for NSW?

No, NSW does not have its own minimum wage. Most employees in NSW are covered by the national system, so the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces this rate. Some state public sector and local government employees may be covered by state awards, but those awards generally set higher rates.

How does the national minimum wage compare to award rates?

Modern award rates are generally higher than the national minimum wage. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. An introductory rate for the first six months is capped at $25.74 per hour. If you are covered by an award, you must receive at least the award rate, which is often higher than the national minimum.

What is the minimum wage for juniors in NSW?

For award-free employees under 21, the national minimum wage is reduced by a percentage based on age. For example, a 16-year-old receives 47.3% of the adult rate, which is $12.51 per hour (casual $15.64). A 20-year-old receives 97.7% ($25.84 per hour). These rates apply to national-system employees who are not covered by an award or agreement. Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award.

Minimum Wage in NSW: What Is the Legal Floor and How Does Your Pay Compare?

The legal minimum wage in NSW is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adult award-free employees, with super of 12% on top.

What is the minimum wage in NSW?

If you are looking for the minimum wage in NSW, the answer depends on your employment situation. New South Wales does not have its own state minimum wage. Instead, most private-sector employees in NSW are part of the national workplace relations system, which means the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules.

From 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, bringing their minimum to $33.05 per hour or $1,255.90 per week (based on 38 ordinary hours). These figures are the legal floor for award-free and agreement-free employees who are 21 or over. Superannuation of 12% must be paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

Many workers in NSW are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. Awards set minimum pay rates that are usually higher than the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in an award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour, but many award rates are above that. An introductory rate for the first six months of employment under an award is limited to $25.74 per hour. If you are covered by an award, your employer must pay at least the award rate. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

To check which award applies to your job, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for common award classifications.

Junior and apprentice rates

For award-free employees under 21, the national minimum wage is reduced by a percentage based on age. These percentages apply to workers who are not covered by an award or agreement:

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

Apprentices and trainees who are award-free follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Their rates depend on the trade and year of training.

Super and tax considerations

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from your wage; it is an additional payment into your super fund. For the 2026-27 tax year, resident employees with the full tax-free threshold pay Medicare levy of 2% once annualised ordinary gross earnings exceed $30,000. The low income tax offset and other offsets may reduce tax, but this guide does not include those calculations. Always check with the ATO or a tax professional for your personal situation.

How your pay compares

The national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week is well below the average earnings of all employees in Australia. According to the ABS May 2026 data, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings (including part-time and overtime) were $1,579.20 per week. If you are earning at the minimum, you are receiving about 48% of the full-time average. Many award rates sit between these two figures.

What if your employer pays less?

If you are an adult award-free employee and your employer pays less than $26.44 per hour (or the relevant junior rate), that is likely underpayment. The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate and recover unpaid wages. Remember, a modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate, so check your coverage first. For more details, see our How the figures work page.

Summary

The minimum wage in NSW is the national minimum wage for most workers. The legal floor is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adults, with super on top. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have lower rates. Award and agreement rates are often higher. Always confirm your correct pay using the Fair Work Ombudsman resources or our Guides.