What is the current minimum wage in Australia?

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour for adult award-free employees. The Fair Work Commission sets this rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. Award rates can require a higher rate. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and introductory rates can be lower.

Does my employer have to pay me the minimum wage?

If you are a national-system employee and not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, your employer must pay at least the national minimum wage. Most private-sector employees are in the national system. Some state public sector and local government employees may be under state awards. A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate.

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

Q: Are there lower rates for juniors or apprentices?

Yes. Award-free juniors have percentage rates: under 16 get 36.8% ($9.73/h), 16 get 47.3% ($12.51/h), 17 get 57.8% ($15.29/h), 18 get 68.3% ($18.06/h), 19 get 82.5% ($21.82/h), 20 get 97.7% ($25.84/h). Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award, not these percentages. Supported wages can also be lower.

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adult award-free employees, with casual loading of 25% bringing it to $33.05 per hour.

What is the minimum wage in Australia?

The national minimum wage is the legal pay floor for adult award-free employees in the national system. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission set it at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week based on a 38-hour ordinary week. For casual employees, a 25% loading applies, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These figures apply to national-system employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement.

It is important to understand that the national minimum wage is not the only pay floor. Many workers are covered by a modern award, which can set higher minimum rates for specific industries or occupations. An enterprise agreement may also provide a higher rate. The national minimum acts as a backstop: no award or agreement can fall below it, but they can exceed it.

How to check your hourly rate against the legal floor

If you have an hourly rate, you can compare it to the national minimum. For example, if you earn $30 per hour, you are above the national minimum. But you should also check if a modern award applies to your job – it may require a higher rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides tools to find your award.

Remember that the national minimum is for adults (21 and over). Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and employees on introductory award rates may receive less. For award-free juniors, the percentages are set by the Fair Work Commission: under 16 get 36.8% ($9.73/h), 16 get 47.3% ($12.51/h), 17 get 57.8% ($15.29/h), 18 get 68.3% ($18.06/h), 19 get 82.5% ($21.82/h), 20 get 97.7% ($25.84/h). Apprentices and trainees follow the Miscellaneous Award rates, not these percentages.

Award rates and other pay floors

Modern awards contain minimum wages for each classification. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rise by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot be less than the national minimum ($26.44/h). An introductory rate, limited to the first 6 months, cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week. These award backstops ensure no award classification falls below the national minimum.

If you are not covered by an award or agreement, the national minimum applies. If you are covered, your award rate is your legal minimum. Always check your award first.

Super guarantee on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This is not deducted from your wage; it is an additional payment by the employer into your super fund. For example, if you earn $26.44 per hour, your employer must contribute an extra 12% of that amount to super.

Comparing to average earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average earnings. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, which equates to about $54.83 per hour (based on 38 hours). All employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These are not legal minimums; they are survey averages. The national minimum is significantly lower than these averages.

Which minimum wage applies to you?

To determine which pay floor applies, ask:

Am I covered by a modern award? Check the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Am I covered by an enterprise agreement? Check with your employer or union.
If neither, the national minimum wage applies.
If you are a junior, apprentice, or trainee, special rates may apply.

For more details, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Common misunderstandings

The national minimum wage is not a living wage or a fair wage; it is the legal minimum.
Casual loading is included in the casual minimum rate; penalty rates for weekends or public holidays are additional.
The Fair Work Commission sets the rate; the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces it.
Not every worker must receive $26.44; juniors, apprentices, and supported employees can be lower.

For further reading, see How the figures work on this site.

Final note

This is an independent guide. It is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation.