Australian Minimum Wage 2025 and the National Full-Time Average
This page explains where the Australian minimum wage sits against the national full-time average. The keyword "aus minimum wage 2025" refers to the minimum wage that applied during the 2025 calendar year. However, the on-site notes provide the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026, not the 2025 rate. The 2025 rate is not available in the sources used here. For the most current figure, refer to Fair Work.
The National Full-Time Average
The benchmark used on this site is the national full-time adult ordinary-time average from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. That average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52). This is the line against which all salaries are measured. The site also shows the distance from this average for any salary you enter.
The Current Minimum Wage (from 1 July 2026)
Fair Work set the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. On a 38-hour week, that is $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year. Award minimums rose by 4.75% at the same time. This current minimum wage is about 48% of the full-time average. The full-time median salary is $90,532, and the all-employees median is $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
Comparing the Minimum Wage to the Average
If you earn the current minimum wage of $52,255 per year, you are well below the national full-time average of $108,352. The gap is about $56,097 per year. Even the full-time median of $90,532 is much higher. The minimum wage is designed as a floor, not a typical wage. Many workers covered by awards earn more than the minimum.
State and Territory Averages
Full-time averages vary across Australia. For example, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at $119,090, while Tasmania has the lowest at $96,008. Western Australia ($115,825) and New South Wales ($109,658) are above the national average. Victoria ($106,137) and Queensland ($106,064) are close to the national figure. South Australia ($102,450) and the Northern Territory ($103,173) are below. The minimum wage of $52,255 is below every state average.
Tax on the Minimum Wage (2026–27)
For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. A person earning the minimum wage of $52,255 would pay tax at 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000, and 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000. The Medicare levy of 2% also applies before any reductions. The exact tax depends on individual circumstances, but the minimum wage earner would pay a relatively low effective tax rate.
How the Figures Are Set
The national full-time average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, published twice a year (May and November). The median figures come from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, published less frequently. The minimum wage is set by Fair Work after annual review. For more detail, see How the figures are set.
Where Your Salary Sits
You can Place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average. The tool shows the weekly and hourly equivalents on a 38-hour week, plus the distance from the average. It does not provide tax calculations or award searches.
Summary
While the 2025 minimum wage is not provided in the on-site notes, the current minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. This is significantly below the national full-time average of $108,352. For state-specific comparisons, see States and territories. The minimum wage serves as a legal floor, and most full-time workers earn above it.