Do I get superannuation on top of my minimum wage?

Yes. The super guarantee requires your employer to pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. This is on top of your gross wage, not deducted from it. For example, if you earn $26.44 per hour, your employer contributes an extra $3.17 per hour to super.

What if I'm under 21 or an apprentice? Can I be paid less than the adult minimum?

Yes, in certain circumstances. Award‑free junior employees (under 21) have special national minimum wages based on age – for example, a 16‑year‑old gets $12.51 per hour (47.3% of the adult rate). Apprentices and trainees have their own rates under the Miscellaneous Award. If you are covered by an award, check the award for junior or apprentice rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains these rules in detail.

What's my salary? Understanding Australia's pay floors and minimum wages

Q: What is the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026?

The Fair Work Commission set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to award‑free and agreement‑free employees. Most workers are covered by a modern award, which may require a higher minimum.

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but most employees are covered by a modern award that sets a higher minimum.

What's my salary? Understanding Australia's pay floors

If you have ever typed "what's my salary" into a search engine, you are probably trying to work out the minimum you should be paid. The answer is not a single number. Australia uses a layered system: a national minimum wage, modern awards for each industry or occupation, and enterprise agreements that can set higher rates. On top of that, your employer must pay superannuation. This guide explains the legal floor, how it differs from average earnings, and where to find your correct rate.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and award rates

The Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the rate for an adult award‑free employee is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (38 ordinary hours). Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.

However, most Australian employees are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries or jobs, and those rates are often higher than the national minimum. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, but no ongoing classification can fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (for the first six months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

Some employees can be paid less than the adult minimum. Award‑free juniors (under 21) have age‑based percentages – for example, a 17‑year‑old earns $15.29 per hour (57.8% of the adult rate). Apprentices and trainees follow rates in the Miscellaneous Award. Employees with a disability that affects productivity may have a supported wage. Always check your award or agreement first, because it can require a higher rate.

Separating the minimum from average earnings

It is easy to confuse the legal minimum with what people actually earn. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. That is more than double the national minimum. The average for all employees (including part‑time and casual) was $1,579.20 per week. These are survey averages, not legal floors. A negotiated salary can be well above the minimum, but the minimum is the lowest your employer can legally pay you (unless a junior or other special rate applies).

Superannuation: an extra on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your gross wage. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. So if your base rate is $26.44 per hour, your employer pays an additional $3.17 per hour into your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay, but it is part of your total remuneration.

How to find your correct rate

To know exactly what you should be paid, start by identifying your award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool that calculates minimum rates based on your industry and job classification. You can also check your enterprise agreement if one applies. For a quick overview of the national minimum and award backstop rates, see our Which minimum wage applies page. For detailed tables of junior, apprentice, and casual rates, visit Rate tables. And if you want to understand how the figures are calculated, read How the figures work.

Remember, this site provides general information only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. If you are unsure about your entitlements, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union.

Key takeaways

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for award‑free adults.
Most workers are covered by an award, which sets a higher minimum.
Juniors, apprentices, and supported employees can be paid less.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.
Average earnings are much higher than the minimum – do not confuse the two.

For more guidance, explore our Guides section or browse Topics related to pay and conditions.