What is the current National Minimum Wage in Australia?

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement.

How does casual loading affect the minimum wage?

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base minimum wage to compensate for not receiving paid leave. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour instead of $26.44. The loading is paid on top of the base rate, so you should never include it in the hourly rate you enter into a timesheet calculator—instead, use a checkbox to add it.

Do minimum wages differ by state or territory?

Yes, while the National Minimum Wage applies across Australia, many employees are covered by award rates that can vary by industry and location. Additionally, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings differ by state—for example, the national average is $2083.70 per week, but some states are above and some below that figure. These are averages, not job-specific medians, and they reflect differences in industry mix and cost of living.

What's Minimum Wage in Australia? Hourly to Annual Pay Guide

As of July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, giving an annual gross of about $52,254.

Understanding the National Minimum Wage and Your Annual Pay

If you're asking what's minimum wage in Australia, the answer depends on whether you're covered by an award or the National Minimum Wage. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Commission has set the National Minimum Wage at $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week. That works out to $1004.90 per week, or $52,254.80 per year before tax and super. For casual employees, a 25% loading applies, bringing the rate to $33.05 per hour.

How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

The standard formula is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. This article assumes a 38-hour week, which is the full-time benchmark under the Fair Work Act. If you work different hours, adjust accordingly. For example, if you earn $30 per hour and work 38 hours:

Weekly: $30 × 38 = $1,140
Fortnightly: $1,140 × 2 = $2,280
Annual: $1,140 × 52 = $59,280

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no salary sacrifice. For a more detailed estimate, use the timesheet to enter your base rate and optionally add casual loading.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage is the floor for employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. However, most Australian workers are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates for their industry or occupation. For example, the Hospitality Award or the Retail Award have specific pay rates that may be above the national minimum. Always check your award through the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides or reference tables.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This loading compensates for not receiving paid sick leave or annual leave. When using a calculator, never type a rate that already includes casual loading—instead, select the checkbox to add it. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026). The Australian Taxation Office sets a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost for your employer. For an annual salary of $59,280, super would add $7,113.60, making total employment cost $66,393.60.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

For the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates are:

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 above $190,000

A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies. For a single person earning $59,280, the estimated tax plus Medicare would be around $9,238, leaving take-home pay of about $50,042 per year. Use the take-home pay guide for more detail.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes Average Weekly Earnings data. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week nationally. However, these averages vary by state due to differences in industry composition, cost of living, and award coverage. For example, the mining and construction sectors in Western Australia often push earnings above the national average, while some states with larger retail and hospitality sectors may be lower. These are state averages, not job-specific medians—your actual pay depends on your award, experience, and location. For more on how your pay compares, see average pay.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many Australian employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, simply multiply your weekly pay by two. For the National Minimum Wage, that's $2,009.80 per fortnight. After tax and Medicare, a single person might take home around $1,700 per fortnight. This can help with budgeting for rent, bills, and savings.

Important Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It 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 is 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 more resources, visit the minimum wage page or the hourly conversion guide.