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Casual Minimum Wage Australia: How It Compares to the Full-Time Average

The casual minimum wage is not a single published figure; it depends on the applicable award or the national minimum wage plus casual loading. Typically, it is lower than the full-time average of $108,352.

This sits $56,097 under the Australian full-time average, about 51.8% below the line. The closest full-time state average is Tasmania. It is off the left edge of the ruler. This close-up only covers full-time state averages.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$1,005 a week · $26.44 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $45,013 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Casual Minimum Wage Australia: Where It Sits Against the Full-Time Average

The casual minimum wage in Australia is not a single published figure, but it is based on the national minimum wage plus a casual loading. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1004.9 per week, about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (Fair Work). For casual employees, the rate is higher due to casual loading, typically 25% for award-free employees. This means the effective hourly rate is around $33.05, but the exact figure depends on the applicable award. The national full-time average salary is $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is the line on the site. The casual minimum wage, even with loading, is well below that average.

How the Casual Minimum Wage Compares to Medians

The full-time median salary is $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median is $74,100. The casual minimum wage is lower than both medians. For example, a casual working 38 hours per week at the base rate would earn about $52,255 per year, or about $65,318 with a typical 25% loading. Both are below the full-time median of $90,532. The all-employees median of $74,100 is also above the casual minimum wage with loading.

State Averages

The full-time averages vary by state. For instance, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at $119,090, while Tasmania has the lowest at $96,008. The casual minimum wage is below all state averages. For more details, see States and territories.

How the Figures Are Set

The national minimum wage is set by Fair Work Commission each year. The casual loading is also set by Fair Work or in awards. The average weekly earnings are published by the ABS twice a year for May and November. The medians are from the ABS Employee Earnings survey. For more on how these figures are determined, see How the figures are set.

Where Your Salary Sits

If you are a casual employee, you can Place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the full-time average. The tool uses a 38-hour week and shows the distance from the average. The casual minimum wage is not a single figure, but you can enter your actual hourly rate or annual salary.

Conclusion

The casual minimum wage in Australia is lower than the national full-time average and medians. It depends on the award and casual loading. The base rate is $26.44 per hour, but casuals typically get more. The full-time average is $108,352, so the casual minimum wage is well below that.

Questions

What is the casual minimum wage in Australia?

The casual minimum wage in Australia is not a single published figure. It is based on the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) plus a casual loading, which is typically 25% for award-free employees. However, many modern awards set specific casual rates that may differ. The exact rate depends on the applicable award or agreement.

How does casual loading affect the minimum wage?

Casual loading is an additional payment on top of the base minimum wage to compensate for entitlements that casual employees do not receive, such as paid leave. For award-free employees, the Fair Work Commission sets a casual loading of 25%. This means the effective hourly rate for a casual on the national minimum wage would be $33.05 per hour, but this is an estimate, not an official figure. Many awards have their own loading percentages.

How does the casual minimum wage compare to the full-time average?

The national full-time average salary is $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Even with casual loading, the typical casual minimum wage is significantly lower. For example, a casual working 38 hours per week at the base rate of $26.44 per hour would earn about $52,255 per year, or about $65,318 with a 25% loading. Both are well below 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).

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