What is the vic minimum wage for 2026?

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. This is the legal floor for award-free and agreement-free employees in Victoria. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Lower rates apply to juniors, apprentices, and trainees.

Does the vic minimum wage apply to casual workers?

Yes, the vic minimum wage applies to casual workers, but with a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate. For adults, the casual minimum is $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave. Casual employees covered by a modern award may receive a different loading if the award specifies one.

Are there different minimum wages for young workers in Victoria?

Yes, for award-free employees under 21, the national minimum wage is reduced by age-based percentages. For example, a 16-year-old receives 47.3% of the adult rate ($12.51 per hour), while a 20-year-old receives 97.7% ($25.84 per hour). These percentages apply only to award-free employees; award-covered juniors may have different rates under their award.

Victorian Minimum Wage 2026: Understanding the Vic Minimum Wage

The Victorian minimum wage is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult award-free employees, with casual loading of 25% and lower rates for juniors, apprentices, and trainees.

What is the vic minimum wage?

The term "vic minimum wage" generally refers to the minimum wage that applies to workers in Victoria. Because most Victorian employees are in the national workplace relations system, the legal minimum 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 week. This is the floor for award-free and agreement-free employees. Superannuation (the super guarantee) of 12% is paid by the employer on top of these ordinary-time earnings.

How the vic minimum wage compares with other pay measures

The legal minimum is separate from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, and all employees (including part-time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week. These averages are much higher than the minimum because they include overtime, bonuses, and higher-paid roles. The national minimum is a safety net, not a typical wage.

Modern awards set minimum wages for specific industries and occupations. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification in an award cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. Awards also include an introductory rate (for the first six months) of $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. Enterprise agreements can set higher rates than both the award and the national minimum.

Who is covered by the vic minimum wage?

Most private-sector employees in Victoria are national-system employees, so the national minimum wage applies if they are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Some state public sector and local government employees in Victoria may be covered by Victorian state awards or agreements, which can set different minimum rates. If you work for the Victorian government or a local council, check your award or agreement for the applicable minimum.

Casual loading and age percentages

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the base rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. The adult casual minimum is $33.05 per hour. For award-free juniors, the national minimum is reduced by age-based percentages. For example:

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

Apprentices and trainees who are award-free follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages.

Award coverage and penalty rates

If you are covered by a modern award, your minimum wage is the award rate for your classification, which is often higher than the national minimum. Awards also include penalty rates for weekend, public holiday, or overtime work. The national minimum wage does not include penalty rates; those come from awards or agreements. For more on which minimum applies to you, see our guide Which minimum wage applies and the Rate tables for current figures.

Superannuation and tax considerations

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary-time earnings. For the 2026-27 tax year, resident employees with annualised ordinary gross earnings over $30,000 pay a Medicare levy of 2%. The low-income tax offset and other adjustments may reduce tax for lower earners. This site provides orientation only; it is not a pay determination or tax advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman for enforcement and the ATO for tax obligations.

Summary

The vic minimum wage is the national minimum wage for most workers in Victoria. The legal floor is $26.44 per hour for adults, with casual loading and junior percentages where applicable. Awards and agreements can set higher rates. For precise information on your situation, refer to your award, agreement, or the Fair Work Ombudsman. Explore our Guides and Topics for more details.