What Is the Minimum Wage in Australia? Hourly, Annual & Fortnightly Pay Explained
From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, giving an annual gross of approximately $52,254.80.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Australia?
If you have ever asked yourself what is the minimum wage in Australia, the answer depends on whether you are covered by the National Minimum Wage or a specific award. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, that works out to $1,004.90 per week before tax. Over a full year (52 weeks), the annual gross pay is approximately $52,254.80.
This rate applies to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. Many industries, however, have their own award rates that may be higher. For example, the General Retail Industry Award or the Hospitality Award often set minimum pay above the national floor. You can check your specific award using the pay guides on our site.
Casual Loading
If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid sick leave or annual leave. When using the timesheet, you can tick the casual loading checkbox to see the adjusted rate automatically.
How to Convert Hourly to Annual Salary
The standard formula for converting an hourly rate to an annual salary is:
Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
We assume a 38-hour week unless you work different hours. For example:
- $26.44/hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $52,254.80 per year
- $30.00/hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $59,280.00 per year
If you work part-time or irregular hours, adjust the hours per week accordingly. The formula gives you a gross annual figure before tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.
Fortnightly Pay
Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, simply multiply your weekly pay by two. For the minimum wage:
- Weekly: $1,004.90
- Fortnightly: $2,009.80
This can help you budget between pay cycles. Our reference tables include weekly, fortnightly, and monthly conversions for common rates.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
Once you have your annual gross, you can estimate your tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- Nil tax 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 above $190,000
Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a minimum wage earner ($52,254.80):
- Taxable income after $18,200 threshold: $34,054.80
- Tax: $4,092.72 (15% on $27,280 + 30% on $6,774.80) plus Medicare $1,045.10
- Approximate take-home: $47,116.98 per year, or $906.10 per week.
Remember, this is an estimate. It does not include HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging. For a more detailed breakdown, see our take-home pay guide.
Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor, but most employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimums. For example, the Aged Care Award or the Clerks Award have specific classifications with higher hourly rates. If you are unsure which award applies, the Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources. Our minimum wage page lists the national rate and links to award summaries.
It is important to note that the figures here are the National Minimum Wage, not a job median. If you see an industry average from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, such as the May 2026 Average Weekly Earnings of $2,083.70 for full-time adult ordinary time, that is an average across all jobs, not the median for your specific role. Always check your award or agreement for the correct rate.
Superannuation
Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. For a minimum wage employee:
- Annual ordinary earnings: $52,254.80
- Super contribution: $6,270.58 (12%)
- Total cost to employer: $58,525.38
Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution your employer makes to your super fund. The maximum contribution base is $270,830, so super stops accruing once your earnings exceed that amount. Learn more about super and packaging on our site.
Using the Timesheet
Our timesheet is designed to help you quickly convert an hourly rate to annual, weekly, and fortnightly figures. Simply enter your base hourly rate. If you are casual, tick the box to add 25% loading. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading – the tool adds it for you. The results show gross pay, estimated tax, Medicare, and super. You can also adjust hours per week if you work fewer than 38 hours.
Important Notes
- The annual figure assumes 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.
- This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.
For award-specific calculations, refer to the hourly conversion page or check your pay slip against the relevant award. If you are a casual worker, remember that the 25% loading is separate from any penalty rates you may receive for working weekends or public holidays.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what is the minimum wage in Australia is the first step to understanding your pay. Whether you are negotiating a salary, comparing job offers, or just curious, the formula hourly × 38 × 52 gives you a solid starting point. Use our tools and resources to get a clearer picture of your annual, fortnightly, and annual take-home pay.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.