What is the salary for a casual employee under the national minimum wage?

Casual employees who are award-free and over 21 receive the national minimum wage plus a 25% casual loading. From 1 July 2026, that is $33.05 per hour. Casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements.

Do I get the national minimum wage if I am under 21?

No. Award-free employees under 21 are entitled to a percentage of the adult national minimum wage based on their age. For example, a 17-year-old gets 57.8% ($15.29 per hour) and a 20-year-old gets 97.7% ($25.84 per hour). These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission in the National Minimum Wage Order.

How does superannuation affect my salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. It is not deducted from your hourly or weekly wage; it is an additional employer contribution.

What is the salary? A practical guide to Australia's minimum wage floor

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage for adult award-free employees is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, with a 25% casual loading.

What is the salary? Understanding Australia's minimum wage floor

When people ask "what is the salary" for a job, they often want to know the legal minimum they must be paid. In Australia, the answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. This guide helps you check your hourly rate against the correct pay floor.

The legal minimum: National Minimum Wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the rate for adult award-free employees is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week based on 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. These figures are before tax. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the rules.

However, not every worker must receive $26.44 an hour. The national minimum wage applies only to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. Juniors (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and employees with a disability may be paid less under special rates set by the Commission. For example, an award-free 16-year-old is entitled to 47.3% of the adult rate, or $12.51 per hour.

Award rates and enterprise agreements

Most employees are covered by a modern award that sets minimum pay rates for their industry or occupation. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%. The Fair Work Commission also introduced a backstop: the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates limited to the first six months cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you work under an enterprise agreement, your base pay rate cannot be less than the rate in the relevant award. Agreements often provide higher wages or better conditions. To find your correct award, use the Which minimum wage applies guide or check the Rate tables on this site.

Survey averages: what people actually earn

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings that are much higher than the minimum. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. All employees (including part-time and casual) averaged $1,579.20 per week. These are survey averages, not legal floors. Many workers earn above the minimum because of award classifications, enterprise agreements, or market demand.

Negotiated salaries

Above the legal minimum, your salary is negotiated between you and your employer. Award classifications often define pay levels based on skill and responsibility. For award-free roles, the market rate may be higher than the national minimum. Remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, so your total remuneration package includes both wage and super.

Practical check: comparing your hourly rate

To see if you are being paid correctly, compare your hourly rate to the relevant floor:

If you are award-free and 21 or over, the floor is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 casual).
If you are under 21 and award-free, use the junior percentage rates from the Commission.
If you are covered by an award, find your classification in the Rate tables or the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.
If you are an apprentice or trainee, special rates apply under the Miscellaneous Award.

Your employer must pay at least the minimum. Awards and agreements can require a higher rate. For more detailed guidance, see our Guides on award coverage and pay calculations.

Important notes

The national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information and enforces compliance.
These rates apply to national-system employees. Most private-sector workers are in the national system, but some state public sector and local government employees may be covered by state awards.
The figures on this site are for orientation only. They are not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice.
Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary time earnings, not included in the hourly or weekly rates shown.

By understanding what is the salary floor for your situation, you can confidently check your pay and know your rights.