What is the minimum wage for a 20-year-old in Australia?

The National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies to employees aged 21 and over. For a 20-year-old, the minimum wage is typically a percentage of the adult rate, set by the relevant award or the Fair Work Commission. There is no single figure; you must check your award or the Pay Guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. The calculation method (hourly × 38 × 52) still applies.

How do I calculate my annual salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work each week, then by 52. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, at the adult minimum wage of $26.44/hour, annual gross pay is $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44. This assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates or allowances.

Is superannuation included in the hourly rate?

No. Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For an employee earning the adult minimum wage, the employer must pay an additional $6,272.33 per year into super. Casual employees also receive 25% casual loading on top of the base rate, and super is calculated on the total ordinary earnings.

Minimum Wage Australia 20 Year Old: Hourly to Annual Pay Guide for a 38-Hour Week

For a 38-hour week, annual gross pay is hourly rate × 38 × 52; the National Minimum Wage for adults is $26.44/hour ($1,004.90/week), but a 20-year-old may receive a junior rate set by award or the Fair Work Commission.

Converting Your Hourly Rate to Annual, Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

If you earn an hourly wage or have received a salary offer, understanding how that translates into annual, fortnightly and weekly pay is essential for budgeting and comparing job offers. This guide uses the standard 38-hour full-time week and a 52-week year, as set out by the Fair Work Ombudsman. We also cover the minimum wage australia 20 year old context, tax, superannuation and casual loading.

The Basic Formula

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

For a full-time employee working 38 hours each week, the formula becomes:

Annual = hourly rate × 38 × 52

This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances or salary sacrifice. If you work a different number of hours, replace 38 with your usual weekly hours.

Example Using the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for employees aged 21 and over. For a 38-hour week:

Weekly pay: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.90
Fortnightly pay: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80
Annual gross pay: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,269.44

If you are a 20-year-old, the minimum wage australia 20 year old may be lower because junior rates apply. The Fair Work Commission sets these rates as a percentage of the adult rate in most awards. For example, a 20-year-old might receive 90% of the adult minimum wage, but this varies by industry and award. Always check your specific award or the minimum wage page for current rates.

Casual Loading

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave (annual leave, sick leave, etc.).

Casual adult minimum wage: $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour
Weekly: $33.05 × 38 = $1,255.90
Fortnightly: $1,255.90 × 2 = $2,511.80
Annual: $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,306.80

When using our timesheet, you can check the “casual loading” box to add 25% on top of your base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

Many employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimum pay rates than the National Minimum Wage. Awards also include penalty rates for weekends, public holidays and overtime. The National Minimum Wage is the floor – you cannot be paid less than this (or the applicable junior rate). For industry-specific rates, refer to the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Superannuation (Super)

Super is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year (2026–27).

Using the adult minimum wage example:

Annual ordinary earnings: $52,269.44
Super contribution: $52,269.44 × 12% = $6,272.33 (paid by your employer)

Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit. For casual employees, super is calculated on the total ordinary earnings including the casual loading.

Tax on Your Earnings

Resident tax rates for 2026–27 are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on the excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on the excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on the excess over $135,000
$190,001+: 45% on the excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (reduced thresholds for singles apply from 2025–26; the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed at the time of this guide).

For an adult minimum wage earner ($52,269.44):

Tax-free threshold: $18,200
Tax on $18,201–$45,000: ($45,000 – $18,200) × 15% = $4,020
Tax on $45,001–$52,269.44: ($52,269.44 – $45,000) × 30% = $2,180.83
Total tax: $6,200.83
Medicare levy (2% of $52,269.44): $1,045.39
Total tax + Medicare: $7,246.22
Net annual pay: $52,269.44 – $7,246.22 = $45,023.22

This is an estimate. The take-home pay page provides more detail, including HELP repayments and the Medicare levy surcharge.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2.

Adult minimum wage: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80
Casual adult minimum wage: $1,255.90 × 2 = $2,511.80

After tax, your fortnightly net pay will be lower. Use our reference tables for quick conversions.

What About a 20-Year-Old?

The minimum wage australia 20 year old is not a single figure. The National Minimum Wage applies from age 21. For a 20-year-old, the rate depends on the applicable award. Many awards set junior rates as a percentage of the adult rate. For example, under the General Retail Industry Award, a 20-year-old receives 90% of the adult rate. That would be $26.44 × 0.9 = $23.80 per hour (approximate – check the award).

If you are not covered by an award, the Fair Work Commission may set a special national minimum wage for juniors. Always verify your correct rate using the job pay tools or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator.

Annual Salary Offers

If you are offered a salary instead of an hourly rate, you can reverse the calculation to find the equivalent hourly rate. Divide the annual salary by 52, then by the number of hours per week (usually 38). For example, a $70,000 salary:

Weekly: $70,000 ÷ 52 = $1,346.15
Hourly: $1,346.15 ÷ 38 = $35.42

This assumes a 38-hour week with no overtime. If the role requires more hours, the effective hourly rate is lower.

Important Disclaimer

The calculations on this page are estimates. They assume the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no 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. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For personalised calculations, use our hourly conversion tool or consult a qualified accountant.