Does the minimum wage in Victoria differ from the national minimum?

For most employees in Victoria, the minimum wage is the same as the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. Victoria is a referral state, so the national system covers nearly all private-sector workers. Some state public sector and local government employees may be covered by Victorian state awards, which can set higher rates. Always check if a modern award or enterprise agreement applies to you, as those can require a higher minimum.

Can I be paid less than $26.44 per hour in Victoria?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Junior employees (under 21) who are award-free and agreement-free have prescribed percentages of the adult rate – for example, a 17-year-old gets 57.8% ($15.29/h). Apprentices and trainees have their own rates under the Miscellaneous Award. Introductory award rates for the first six months are $25.74/h. Supported wages for employees with disability may also be lower. The $26.44/h figure is the adult national minimum for award-free employees.

What about superannuation on the minimum wage in Victoria?

Superannuation is paid on top of the minimum wage. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if you earn $1,004.90 per week at the minimum wage, your employer must also contribute $120.59 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an additional cost to the employer. Casual employees also receive the same super guarantee on their ordinary hours.

What is the minimum wage in Victoria? National floor and how it compares

As of 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage in Victoria is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adult employees, with superannuation of 12% on top.

What is the minimum wage in Victoria? The legal floor explained

If you are asking what is the minimum wage in Victoria, the answer starts with the national minimum wage. Victoria is part of the national workplace relations system, so the same legal floor that applies in Sydney, Brisbane, or Hobart also applies in Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat. As of 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a loading of 25%, bringing the casual hourly rate to $33.05.

This rate is set by the Fair Work Commission after its annual wage review. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the rules. The figure is a floor – you cannot be paid less than this unless a specific exemption applies (see the FAQ on junior and supported wages).

How the minimum wage compares to other pay concepts

It is important to separate the legal minimum from other measures of pay. The legal minimum is what the law requires. The survey average is what people actually earn. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) May 2026 release, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week – more than double the minimum. All employees, including part-time and casual, averaged $1,579.20 per week.

Award rates are set by modern awards for specific industries and occupations. Many awards have minimum rates higher than the national minimum. For example, the Hospitality Award or the Retail Award often start above $26.44 for adult employees. If your job is covered by an award, the award rate is your minimum – and it may be higher. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

Negotiated salaries are what you and your employer agree on. They can be above the minimum, but never below. The minimum wage is a safety net, not a target.

Superannuation is on top

Whenever pay is discussed, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of your wages. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a full-time minimum wage earner, that adds about $120.59 per week to your super account. This is not deducted from your $1,004.90 – it is extra.

What you actually take home: tax and Medicare

To understand the weekly packet, consider tax. For the 2026-27 tax year, a single resident earning the minimum wage of $52,254.80 annually (using the weekly figure times 52) would pay approximately $6,517 in tax (using the full tax-free threshold) and about $1,045 in Medicare levy (2% once income exceeds $30,000). That leaves a net weekly take-home of roughly $1,004.90 – $125.33 – $20.10 = $859.47. This is a rough estimate; it leaves out the low income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice. Use the ATO’s tax calculator for your exact situation.

Who is covered by the national minimum in Victoria?

Most private-sector employees in Victoria are national-system employees. The national minimum applies if you are award-free and agreement-free. Some state public sector and local government employees may be covered by Victorian state awards instead. Those awards can have different minimum rates, but they cannot be lower than the national minimum. If you are unsure, check Which minimum wage applies to see if you are in the national system.

Award-free junior rates

If you are under 21 and not covered by an award or agreement, your minimum is a percentage of the adult rate:

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

Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award. Always check if an award covers you first.

History of the national minimum

The rate has increased over recent years:

1 July 2023: $23.23/h, $882.80/week
1 July 2024: $24.10/h, $915.90/week
1 July 2025: $24.95/h, $948.00/week
1 July 2026: $26.44/h, $1,004.90/week

Where to get more information

For detailed rate tables and award coverage, see Rate tables. For a full explanation of how the figures are calculated, visit How the figures work. This site provides orientation only – it is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional for your specific situation.

Summary

The minimum wage in Victoria is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour for adults, with super on top. Awards and agreements can set higher rates. Juniors, apprentices, and supported wages can be lower. Use the resources on this site to find your exact entitlement.