What is the National Minimum Wage in Australia?

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

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

To estimate your annual gross salary, multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then multiply by 52. For a standard full-time worker on 38 hours per week, the formula is: hourly rate × 38 × 52. For example, the minimum wage of $26.44 per hour gives an annual gross of $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.88. This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime or penalty rates.

What is casual loading and how does it affect my pay?

Casual loading is an additional 25% paid on top of the base hourly rate to compensate for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 × 1.25). When using our timesheet, you can check a box to add casual loading automatically. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading; enter the base rate and let the tool apply the loading.

What's the Minimum Wage in Australia? A Guide to Hourly, Annual, Fortnightly Pay and Super

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, with casual workers receiving $33.05 per hour including 25% loading.

What's the Minimum Wage in Australia?

If you're wondering whats the minimum wage in australia, the answer from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a full-time employee working 38 hours per week. That works out to $1004.90 per week or $52,254.88 per year before tax and super. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply nationally, though award-covered employees may have different minimums.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual Pay

The standard formula to estimate annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a 38-hour week for full-time workers, as this is the ordinary hours under the National Employment Standards. If you work part-time or different hours, adjust the hours per week accordingly. For example, a part-time worker on 20 hours per week at the minimum wage would earn $26.44 × 20 × 52 = $27,497.60 per year.

Fortnightly Pay

Many Australian employers pay fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For the minimum wage: $1004.90 × 2 = $2009.80 per fortnight. This is useful for budgeting and comparing salary offers.

Casual Loading

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base rate. The casual minimum wage is $33.05 per hour. When using the timesheet, you can check the casual loading box to automatically add 25%. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading; always enter the base hourly rate.

Superannuation

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid by your employer on top of your salary. For the minimum wage, that's an extra $6,270.59 per year (12% of $52,254.88). However, super only applies up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Most minimum wage earners won't exceed that limit. Super is not deducted from your pay; it's an additional contribution. See our super and packaging page for more details.

Tax and Medicare

For the 2026-27 financial 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 over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a minimum wage earner on $52,254.88, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately: $0 on first $18,200, then 15% on $26,800 ($45,000 - $18,200) = $4,020, plus 30% on $7,254.88 ($52,254.88 - $45,000) = $2,176.46. Total tax ~$6,196.46. Medicare levy adds 2% of $52,254.88 = $1,045.10. So total deductions ~$7,241.56, leaving take-home pay of about $45,013.32 per year. Use our take-home pay calculator for a more precise estimate.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

While the National Minimum Wage is the same across Australia, average weekly ordinary-time earnings vary by state and territory. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary time earnings nationally were $2,083.70 per week. However, states like Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory often report higher averages due to industry mix, while Tasmania and South Australia tend to be lower. These are averages, not medians for any specific job. If you're comparing a salary offer, remember that industry and occupation matter more than location. Check average pay for more context.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

Many employees are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets higher minimum rates than the National Minimum Wage. Awards are industry- or occupation-specific and include penalty rates, allowances, and overtime. If you're unsure which award applies, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides or reference tables. The National Minimum Wage only applies to employees not covered by any award or agreement.

Using the Timesheet

Our the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and choose whether to add casual loading. It then calculates annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay, plus estimated tax and super. Remember: the results 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 up to the maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026-27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold and Medicare levy (using 2025-26 single reduction thresholds as 2026-27 thresholds were not confirmed). HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted.

Summary

So, whats the minimum wage in australia? It's $26.44 per hour for permanent employees and $33.05 per hour for casuals. Use the formula hourly × hours per week × 52 to get annual gross. Add 12% super on top. Deduct tax and Medicare to estimate take-home pay. For state-level averages, see the ABS data, but remember these are not job-specific medians. For your own situation, use our hourly conversion tool and check relevant awards.