What's the salary for a casual worker under the national minimum?

A casual employee not covered by an award or agreement is entitled to the national minimum wage plus a 25% casual loading. From 1 July 2026, that is $33.05 per hour or $1,256.13 per week (based on 38 ordinary hours). The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave such as annual leave or sick leave.

What's the salary? Understanding your weekly pay packet in Australia

Q: How does the national minimum wage compare to average earnings?

The national minimum wage is a legal floor. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for May 2026, full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and the average total earnings for all employees (including part-time and casual) was $1,579.20 per week. The national minimum of $1,004.90 is well below both averages, reflecting that many workers are covered by awards or agreements that pay more.

Q: Do I pay tax on the national minimum wage?

Yes, the national minimum wage is gross pay before tax. For the 2026-27 income year, a resident employee earning only the national minimum wage of $52,254.80 per year (38 hours × $26.44 × 52 weeks) would pay income tax at marginal rates after the tax-free threshold. Medicare levy of 2% applies once annual income exceeds about $30,000. The actual tax withheld depends on your individual circumstances, including the tax-free threshold claim and any offsets.

As of 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage for an adult award-free employee is $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour, before tax and super.

What's the salary? The legal minimum and beyond

When you ask "what's the salary" for a job in Australia, the answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or none of those. The legal minimum pay floor is set by the Fair Work Commission, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. This guide walks through the different layers so you can understand what you should be paid.

The national minimum wage

For employees not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This is the gross amount before any deductions. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings – that is extra money paid into your super fund, not part of your take-home pay.

However, not every worker receives $26.44 an hour. Junior employees (under 21), apprentices, trainees, and some employees with disability have special rates that can be lower. For award-free juniors, the percentage of the adult rate increases with age: for example, a 16-year-old gets 47.3% ($12.51 per hour) and a 20-year-old gets 97.7% ($25.84 per hour). Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual national minimum $33.05 per hour.

Award and agreement rates

Most Australian employees are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries and occupations, and these rates are often higher than the national minimum. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, with a backstop: the lowest ongoing classification in any award cannot be less than the national minimum of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Introductory rates (for the first six months) cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the base pay rate must be at least the award rate for the same classification. Agreements can set higher rates or different conditions, but they cannot undercut the award. To find your correct minimum, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check your award's pay guide.

Average earnings and negotiated salaries

The legal minimum is not the same as what most people earn. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. The average total earnings for all employees (including part-time and casual) was $1,579.20 per week. These figures include overtime, bonuses, and higher-paid roles. A negotiated salary – what you agree with an employer – can be above the award or minimum, and is often expressed as an annual package including super.

Tax and take-home pay

Your "what's the salary" figure is always quoted before tax. For the 2026-27 tax year, a resident earning only the national minimum wage of $52,254.80 annually would pay income tax at marginal rates after the tax-free threshold. Medicare levy of 2% applies once annualised ordinary gross pay exceeds about $30,000. The actual withholding depends on your claim for the tax-free threshold, any low-income tax offset, and whether you have a HELP debt or salary sacrifice arrangements. This site does not provide tax advice; consult the Australian Taxation Office or a registered tax agent.

Summary

Legal minimum: $26.44/h or $1,004.90/week (adult, award-free).
Casual minimum: $33.05/h (includes 25% loading).
Award rates: Often higher; check your award.
Average earnings: $2,083.70/week for full-time adults (ABS May 2026).
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, paid by employer.

For more detail, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables. Remember that your actual salary may be higher if you are covered by an award or have negotiated above the minimum. Always confirm your classification and entitlements with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.