Minimum Wage Victoria: Which Pay Floor Applies and How It Compares

Minimum wage in Victoria: what you need to know

When people search for "minimum wage victoria", they often expect a separate state rate. In reality, Victoria relies on the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. This applies to most employees in Victoria who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. If you work under an award, the award rate will be at least this amount, and often higher.

The legal minimum vs other benchmarks

It is important to separate the legal minimum from other figures. The national minimum wage is the floor. A survey average, such as the ABS May 2026 figure of $2,083.70 per week for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, is much higher. An award rate can be above the minimum, and a negotiated salary can be above the award. The legal minimum is not a target; it is the lowest lawful pay.

Who gets the full adult rate?

Not every worker receives $26.44 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) receive a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 17-year-old gets 57.8% ($15.29 per hour). Apprentices and trainees have their own rates under the Miscellaneous Award. Introductory award rates (first six months) are $25.74 per hour. Supported wages for employees with disability can also be lower. Always check your specific situation.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of the wage. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For the minimum wage, that means an extra $3.17 per hour or $120.59 per week. This is not deducted from the wage; it is paid into a super fund.

Which minimum wage applies to you?

To know which pay floor applies, start by checking if you are covered by a modern award. Most industries have awards that set higher rates. If no award applies and no enterprise agreement covers you, the national minimum wage is your floor. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides tools to find your award. For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

State system employees in Victoria

A small number of Victorian employees—mainly in state public sector and local government—may be covered by Victorian state awards rather than the national system. Those awards cannot pay less than the national minimum wage. If you work for a state government department or a local council, check with your employer or the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.

Common misunderstandings

Some people think the minimum wage in Victoria is different because cost of living is higher. The national minimum wage is uniform across Australia, except for some state system employees in Western Australia. Victoria has no separate minimum. Another confusion is mixing up the minimum wage with the living wage or a fair wage. The legal minimum is not designed to cover all expenses; it is the lowest allowed by law.

How the figures work

The adult weekly national minimum is published as $1,004.90. Multiplying $26.44 by 38 hours gives $1,004.72 due to rounding. The official weekly figure is used for calculations. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This loading is meant to compensate for lack of paid leave.

For more information on how rates are calculated, see How the figures work.

Summary

In Victoria, the national minimum wage is the starting point. Most workers are entitled to at least $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) plus 12% super. Awards and agreements can set higher rates. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive less. Always verify your correct entitlement with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer.