What is the minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia?

The minimum wage for a 15-year-old is not a single figure. It depends on the award or agreement that covers the job. Under the National Minimum Wage, junior employees are paid a percentage of the adult rate ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026). For example, some awards set the rate for a 15-year-old at around 50% of the adult rate, but you must check the specific award or pay guide. Casual employees also receive a 25% loading on top of their base rate.

Does casual loading apply to junior minimum wage rates?

Yes, casual loading applies to all casual employees, including juniors. If a 15-year-old is employed casually, they are entitled to a 25% loading on top of their base hourly rate. For example, if the junior base rate is $13.22 per hour (50% of the adult rate), the casual rate would be $16.53 per hour. The loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements.

Minimum Wage for a 15-Year-Old in Australia: Hourly to Annual Pay Guide

Q: How is superannuation calculated for a 15-year-old earning minimum wage?

Superannuation is calculated at 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) and is paid on top of the hourly rate. It applies to all employees aged 18 and over, and to those under 18 who work more than 30 hours per week. For a 15-year-old working 38 hours per week, super is payable. The super guarantee is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Use the formula: super = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 × 12%.

The adult National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour; junior rates for 15-year-olds are a percentage of that, and casual loading adds 25% on top.

Minimum Wage for a 15-Year-Old in Australia: Hourly to Annual Conversion

If you're a 15-year-old starting work in Australia, or an employer hiring one, understanding the minimum wage and how to convert it to annual pay is essential. This guide covers the minimum wage 15 year old australia rates, the formula for annual gross pay, casual loading, superannuation, and tax. We use the latest figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Taxation Office.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual Pay

The basic formula is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a full-time employee, we assume 38 hours per week (the standard under the Fair Work Act). If you work fewer hours, adjust the calculation. For example, if you work 20 hours per week, multiply by 20 instead of 38.

To find your fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Weekly pay = hourly rate × hours per week.

The National Minimum Wage and Junior Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for adults, or $1004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, this is the adult rate. For a 15-year-old, the minimum wage is a percentage of the adult rate, set by the Fair Work Commission in each award or the National Minimum Wage order.

Junior rates vary by industry and award. For example, under the General Retail Industry Award, a 15-year-old might receive 45% of the adult rate. Always check the specific pay guides or minimum wage page for your award. Do not assume a single figure – the correct rate depends on your job.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

If you are employed as a casual, you receive a 25% loading on top of your base hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave. For a 15-year-old on a junior rate, the casual loading applies to that junior rate. For example, if the junior base rate is $13.22 per hour, the casual rate is $16.53 per hour.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. It applies to employees aged 18 and over, and to those under 18 who work more than 30 hours per week. For a 15-year-old working 38 hours, super is payable. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost for the employer.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your annual gross pay is taxed using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income over $190,000

A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds are unconfirmed). For a 15-year-old earning below the tax-free threshold, no tax is payable, but the Medicare levy may still apply if income exceeds the threshold.

Example Calculation (Using Adult Rate for Illustration)

Suppose an adult earns the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, working 38 hours per week:

Weekly pay = $26.44 × 38 = $1004.72 (close to the official $1004.90 due to rounding)
Annual gross = $1004.72 × 52 = $52,245.44
Fortnightly pay = $1004.72 × 2 = $2009.44
Super (12%) = $52,245.44 × 12% = $6269.45 (on top)

For a 15-year-old, replace the hourly rate with the applicable junior rate. For example, if the junior rate is 50% of the adult rate ($13.22 per hour), the annual gross would be $13.22 × 38 × 52 = $26,122.72. Casual loading would add 25%, making the hourly rate $16.53 and annual gross $32,653.40.

Important Assumptions

This guide assumes you work the same hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For more details, see our casual loading and take-home pay pages. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific award.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To calculate your fortnightly gross pay, simply multiply your weekly pay by 2. For a 15-year-old on the junior rate (50% of adult) working 38 hours, fortnightly gross would be $13.22 × 38 × 2 = $1004.72. Add casual loading if applicable.

Summary

The minimum wage 15 year old australia is not a single number – it depends on your award. Use the formula hourly × hours per week × 52 to estimate annual gross. Remember casual loading (25%) and super (12% on top). For tax, use the 2026–27 brackets. Check pay guides for your exact rate.