Who is entitled to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage applies to national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. If you are covered by an award or agreement, your minimum pay is set by that document, which is usually higher than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it.

Can I be paid less than $26.44 per hour?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Junior employees (under 21) who are award-free are paid a percentage of the adult rate – for example, a 16-year-old gets 47.3% ($12.51 per hour). Apprentices and trainees have their own rates under the Miscellaneous Award. Modern awards may have introductory rates for the first six months (minimum $25.74 per hour from 1 July 2026). Supported wages for employees with disability can also be lower. Always check your classification and any applicable award or agreement.

Does the minimum wage include superannuation?

No. The superannuation guarantee is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time pay. For example, if you earn $26.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute an extra $3.17 per hour (12%) into your super fund. This is not deducted from your wage; it is an additional payment.

What is minimum wage in Australia? A practical check for your hourly rate

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for an adult award-free employee, with a casual loading to $33.05 per hour.

What is minimum wage in Australia?

If you are asking “what is minimum wage” in Australia, the answer depends on who you are and where you work. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for an adult employee who is not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. That works out to $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour ordinary week. Casual employees get a loading of at least 25%, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour.

But the legal floor is only part of the picture. Many workers are covered by a modern award that sets a higher minimum for their industry or occupation. Others have an enterprise agreement that may also exceed the national minimum. And some employees – juniors, apprentices, trainees, or those on introductory award rates – can be paid less than the adult rate. This guide helps you do a practical check on your own hourly rate.

How to compare your hourly rate with the minimum wage

Start by finding out whether you are covered by a modern award. If you are, your minimum hourly rate is set by that award’s classification. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free tools to help you identify your award. If you are award-free and not under an agreement, the national minimum wage applies.

Take your hourly rate (before tax) and compare it to the relevant floor:

Adult award-free: $26.44 per hour (casual $33.05).
Award-covered: check the award rate for your classification. Most award rates are higher than the national minimum. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, modern award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot fall below $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (first six months) cannot fall below $25.74 per hour.
Junior award-free: use the junior percentages (see table below). For example, a 17-year-old gets 57.8% of the adult rate = $15.29 per hour.
Apprentice or trainee: award-free apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not the junior percentages.

If your rate is below the applicable floor, your employer may be underpaying you. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

The legal minimum versus other figures

It is important to separate the legal minimum from other numbers you might see:

National minimum wage: set by the Fair Work Commission. This is the absolute floor for award-free adult employees.
Award rates: set by the Commission for specific industries. They are usually higher.
Enterprise agreement rates: negotiated between employers and employees (or unions). Must be above the relevant award or the national minimum.
Survey averages: the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. All employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. These are not minimums; they reflect the middle of the market.
Negotiated salary: what you and your employer agree on. It can be above the minimum, but never below.

Remember that the superannuation guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. If you earn the minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay.

Who sets and enforces the minimum wage?

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and modern award rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains the rules and enforces compliance. The Ombudsman does not set the rates. If you have a dispute, start with the Ombudsman’s website or call them.

Important exceptions and special rates

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

Junior employees (award-free): percentages based on age. Under 16: 36.8% ($9.73/h, casual $12.16/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).
Introductory award rates: some modern awards allow a lower rate for the first six months of employment, minimum $25.74 per hour from 1 July 2026.
Apprentices and trainees: award-free employees follow the Miscellaneous Award. Rates vary by year and trade.
Supported wages: for employees with disability, based on productivity.

If you are covered by a state system (some public sector, local government, or Western Australian sole traders/partnerships), different state awards may apply. Most private-sector employees are in the national system.

Practical steps to check your pay

Identify your award or agreement. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s “Find my award” tool.
Find your classification and minimum rate. Look up the pay table for your award.
Compare with your hourly rate. If you are award-free, use the national minimum or junior table.
Check your pay slip. Ensure your ordinary hours, casual loading (if applicable), and super contributions are correct.
Ask your employer if you are unsure. They must provide a pay slip with all details.

For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables. You can also read How the figures work to understand the calculations behind these numbers.

Summary

The answer to “what is minimum wage” in Australia is $26.44 per hour for an adult award-free employee from 1 July 2026. But your actual minimum may be higher if you are under an award, or lower if you are a junior, apprentice, or on an introductory rate. Always check your specific situation. The Fair Work Ombudsman is your first port of call for free advice and enforcement.