Who is covered by the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage applies to national-system employees who are award-free and agreement-free. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. However, some state public sector and local government employees, and some Western Australian sole traders and partnerships, are covered by state awards instead. If you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, your minimum pay is likely higher than the national minimum. Also, junior employees, apprentices, trainees, and those on introductory rates can be paid less than the adult national minimum—see the junior percentage table on this site.

Can an employer pay less than the national minimum wage?

Generally no, but there are lawful exceptions. Employers can pay less to junior employees (under 21) using the prescribed percentages, to apprentices and trainees under the Miscellaneous Award or a training agreement, and to employees during their first six months in a job under an introductory award rate (currently $25.74 per hour). Supported wage rates for workers with disability may also apply. In all other cases, paying below the national minimum wage is unlawful and the Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate.

National minimum wage: which Australian pay floor applies and what people mix up

Q: What is the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is the legal minimum pay rate for adult employees in Australia who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. The Fair Work Commission sets the rate each year, and the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces it.

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, with casual loading of 25% bringing it to $33.05 per hour.

What is the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is the legal pay floor for adult employees in Australia who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. It is set annually by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult rate 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.

Who does the national minimum wage apply to?

The national minimum wage applies to national-system employees who are award-free and agreement-free. Most private-sector employees fall under the national system. However, some state public sector and local government employees, and some Western Australian sole traders and partnerships in the state system, are covered by state awards instead. If you are unsure which system covers you, check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or visit Which minimum wage applies on this site.

Importantly, the national minimum wage is not the only pay floor. Modern awards set minimum rates for specific industries and occupations, and those rates are almost always higher than the national minimum. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The national minimum serves as a backstop: no award or agreement can undercut it, except for the lawful exceptions described below.

What about juniors, apprentices, and trainees?

Not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. The Fair Work Commission allows lower rates for:

Junior employees (under 21) who are award-free. The percentages are based on age: under 16 – 36.8% ($9.73/h), 16 – 47.3% ($12.51/h), 17 – 57.8% ($15.29/h), 18 – 68.3% ($18.06/h), 19 – 82.5% ($21.82/h), 20 – 97.7% ($25.84/h), 21 and over – 100% ($26.44/h). Casual juniors receive the 25% loading on top.
Apprentices and trainees who are award-free follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages.
Introductory rates apply for the first six months in a job under a modern award, set at $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week from 1 July 2026.
Supported wage rates for employees with disability.

These exceptions mean the national minimum wage is not a universal floor for every worker. Always check your specific circumstances.

How does the national minimum compare to other pay measures?

It is important to separate the legal minimum from other figures:

Award rates: Modern award minimum wages rose by 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot sit under the national minimum. Most award rates are higher than $26.44 per hour.
Enterprise agreement rates: These are negotiated between employers and employees (or unions) and must pass the better-off overall test. They often exceed award or national minimum rates.
Market rates: The ABS May 2026 survey shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings average $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings $1,579.20 per week. The national minimum is less than half the average full-time earnings, reflecting its role as a safety net for entry-level or unclassified work.
Negotiated salaries: Individual contracts can set any rate above the legal minimum. There is no legal maximum, but the minimum must be met.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the wage; it is an additional payment into a super fund. For an adult employee earning $26.44 per hour, the employer must also contribute $3.17 per hour (12% of $26.44) to super. Casual employees receive the same super on their ordinary hours (excluding penalty rates).

Common misunderstandings

“The national minimum wage is the same as the award rate.” No. Awards set higher rates for specific jobs. The national minimum is only for award-free employees.
“Every worker must get $26.44 an hour.” No. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, introductory employees, and supported wage employees can be paid less.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman sets the rate.” No. The Fair Work Commission sets the rate; the Ombudsman explains and enforces it.
“The national minimum wage includes super.” No. Super is paid on top.

How to check your pay

If you are award-free and agreement-free, your minimum is the national minimum wage. If you are covered by an award or agreement, that document sets your minimum. You can find award rates on the Fair Work Ombudsman website or use the Rate tables on this site for the national minimum. Always confirm your classification and any applicable loadings or penalties.

This guide provides general information only. It is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. For your specific situation, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional.

Frequently asked questions

(FAQs are listed above in the structured data.)

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