Queensland Minimum Wage: Which Pay Floor Applies in QLD?

What is the Queensland minimum wage?

When people search for the qld minimum wage, they often expect a separate state rate. In reality, the legal minimum wage in Queensland is 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 for a 38-hour ordinary week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.

This national minimum applies to most employees in Queensland who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rules, but the Fair Work Commission sets the rate.

Separating the legal minimum from other pay concepts

It is easy to confuse the legal minimum with other figures. Here is how they differ:

• Legal minimum: The national minimum wage is the absolute floor. No award-free adult worker can be paid less than $26.44 per hour (or the weekly equivalent).
• Award rate: Many Queensland workers are covered by a modern award. Award rates are usually higher than the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification in a modern award cannot fall below $26.44 per hour, but introductory rates (first six months) can be as low as $25.74 per hour. Always check your award.
• Enterprise agreement: A registered agreement can set rates above the award or minimum. It cannot undercut the award or the national minimum.
• Survey average: The ABS reports average full-time ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). This is not a minimum; it is a statistical average. Many Queensland workers earn above the minimum, but the average is not a pay floor.
• Negotiated salary: Individual contracts can set any rate above the minimum. There is no cap, but the minimum always applies.

Who might be paid less than the adult rate?

Not every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. The following groups can be paid less:

• Junior employees (under 21): Award-free juniors in Queensland are paid a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 16-year-old gets 47.3% ($12.51 per hour, casual $15.64). Percentages increase with age up to 21.
• Apprentices and trainees: Award-free apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not the junior percentages. Their rates are based on a training wage schedule.
• Supported wage employees: Workers with a disability may have a supported wage assessed under a specific framework.
• Introductory award rates: Some modern awards allow a lower introductory rate for the first six months of employment, but it cannot be below $25.74 per hour.

How the national minimum wage applies in Queensland

Queensland is part of the national workplace relations system. Most private-sector employers and employees are covered by the Fair Work Act. The national minimum wage therefore applies directly. However, some state public sector employees (e.g., Queensland government departments) and local government employees may be covered by Queensland state awards. Those state awards set their own minimum rates, but they are not a general 'Queensland minimum wage' for all workers.

If you are award-free and agreement-free, your pay floor is the national minimum. If you are covered by an award or agreement, that document sets your minimum, which is usually higher.

Superannuation and taxes

Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your wage. For tax year 2026-27, 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 provide tax advice.

Where to find more information

For a full breakdown of rates, see our Rate tables. If you are unsure which pay floor applies to you, read Which minimum wage applies for guidance. Our Guides cover topics like junior rates and award coverage.

Common misunderstandings about the Queensland minimum wage

Some people believe Queensland has its own minimum wage because of state-based awards or because the state government sometimes announces wage policies for public servants. However, the general minimum for private-sector workers is the national rate. Another mix-up is thinking the minimum wage is the same as the living wage or a fair wage. The minimum is a legal floor, not a target. Many Queensland workers earn well above it under enterprise agreements or market rates.

Summary

The qld minimum wage is effectively the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (adult, award-free). Always check if a modern award or enterprise agreement applies, as those set higher rates. For award-free juniors, apprentices, and supported wage employees, lower rates are permitted. Superannuation is paid on top. For precise figures, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman or our How the figures work page.