Where the 17 year old minimum wage sits against the national full-time average
When you search for the "17 year old minimum wage" in Australia, you are likely looking for a specific dollar figure. However, unlike the adult national minimum wage, there is no single rate that applies to all 17-year-olds. Instead, junior rates are determined by the applicable award, enterprise agreement, or the National Minimum Wage order. This article explains how junior pay works and where it sits relative to the national full-time average.
The adult national minimum wage as a benchmark
Fair Work sets the national minimum wage for adults each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour, which works out to $1,004.90 per week or about $52,255 per year on a standard 38-hour week. This is the floor for employees not covered by an award or agreement. For a 17-year-old, the rate is almost always lower, because junior rates are a percentage of the adult rate.
How junior rates work
Under the Fair Work system, employees under 21 can be paid a junior rate. The percentage varies by age and by award. For example, the General Retail Industry Award 2020 sets junior rates at 60% of the adult rate for a 17-year-old, while the Hospitality Industry General Award uses 70%. Other awards may differ. Some enterprise agreements set their own percentages. The National Minimum Wage order also provides a junior rate scale, but it is rarely used because most juniors are covered by an award.
Because the exact percentage depends on the industry and the specific award, there is no single "17 year old minimum wage" that applies everywhere. If you are a 17-year-old worker or an employer, you need to check the relevant award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's website has a Pay and Conditions Tool that can give you the correct rate.
Comparing to the national full-time average
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. This is the figure used by this site as the benchmark line. The full-time median is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
Even the adult minimum wage of $52,255 is only about 48% of the full-time average. A 17-year-old on a junior rate would earn even less. For instance, at 60% of the adult minimum, a 17-year-old would earn about $15.86 per hour, or roughly $31,353 per year on a 38-hour week. That is only about 29% of the full-time average. This large gap reflects the fact that junior rates are intended for entry-level workers with limited experience, and most 17-year-olds are still in school or training.
State and territory differences
Full-time average earnings vary across Australia. The highest is the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090, followed by Western Australia at $115,825. The lowest is Tasmania at $96,008. A 17-year-old's junior rate would be well below all of these, regardless of location. For more details on state averages, see the States and territories page.
Tax and take-home pay
A 17-year-old earning a junior rate would likely fall into the lowest tax bracket. For the 2026–27 income year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. Income from $18,201 to $45,000 is taxed at 15%, then 30% up to $135,000. The Medicare levy of 2% also applies, though some low-income earners may get a reduction. At an annual salary of around $31,000, the tax bill would be modest, but the take-home pay would still be far below the average.
Why the figure matters
Understanding where the 17 year old minimum wage sits against the national average helps put youth pay in perspective. It shows that junior rates are deliberately low to encourage employers to hire young people, but also that these wages are not enough to live on independently in most parts of Australia. For a more detailed explanation of how the figures on this site are set, see How the figures are set.
Summary
There is no single 17 year old minimum wage. The rate depends on the award or agreement. The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, and junior rates are a percentage of that. Even the adult minimum is well below the national full-time average of $108,352, and a 17-year-old's rate is lower still. If you need a precise figure, check the relevant award or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's tools.