The national full-time average as a reference
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 line that Average line uses as its benchmark. For a 16-year-old, the minimum wage is not a single published figure; it depends on the junior rate under the relevant award or the National Minimum Wage order. The adult minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. That is roughly 48% of the full-time average. But a 16-year-old’s rate is typically a percentage of that adult rate, often around 40–50% for a 16-year-old under many awards, though the exact percentage varies.
Junior rates and the 16-year-old minimum wage
Fair Work sets the National Minimum Wage and also provides for junior rates for employees under 21. The junior rate for a 16-year-old is not a single number; it depends on the industry award or, if no award applies, the National Minimum Wage order. For example, under the General Retail Industry Award, a 16-year-old might receive 45% of the adult rate. Under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award, the percentage could be different. The on-site notes do not contain a specific figure for a 16-year-old, so we cannot give an exact dollar amount here. To find the correct rate, you would need to check the applicable award or the Fair Work website.
Take-home pay sketch for an adult on the minimum wage
Even though we cannot give a precise figure for a 16-year-old, we can illustrate take-home pay for an adult on the minimum wage. Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates: tax-free threshold up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; 45% above $190,000. Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (before any reductions). For a gross annual salary of $52,255, the tax would be approximately $6,197 and the Medicare levy $1,045, leaving about $45,013 net. That is about $865 per week. For a 16-year-old on a junior rate, the gross pay would be lower, so the tax would be less, and they might also be eligible for the low-income tax offset.
How the figures are set
The national full-time average is calculated by the ABS from employer surveys and published twice a year (May and November). The median figures come from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, which is less frequent. The minimum wage is set annually by Fair Work after consultation. How the figures are set explains the methodology in more detail. For junior rates, Fair Work considers the needs of young workers and the impact on employment.
State comparisons
Full-time averages vary by state. For example, New South Wales averages about $109,658, Victoria about $106,137, and Western Australia about $115,825. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at about $119,090. These averages are for all full-time adult workers, not just those on minimum wages. A 16-year-old working in a state with a higher average might still be paid the junior rate under their award, so the state average does not directly affect their wage. States and territories provides more detail on regional differences.
Using the line tool
If you want to see where a specific salary sits against the national full-time average, you can place a salary on the line. The tool accepts a yearly salary before tax and shows the weekly and hourly equivalents based on a 38-hour week, plus the distance from the average. For a 16-year-old, you would need to know the exact junior rate first. The line tool does not calculate junior rates; it only compares a given salary to the national average.
Guides and further reading
For more information on minimum wages, junior rates, and how to calculate take-home pay, see our Guides. They cover topics like award classifications, tax brackets, and the Medicare levy. Remember that the figures here are for the 2026–27 financial year and are based on the latest available data from the ABS and Fair Work.
Summary
The minimum wage for a 16-year-old in Australia is not a single published figure in the on-site notes. It depends on the junior rate under the applicable award or the National Minimum Wage order. The adult minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, which is about 48% of the national full-time average of $108,352 per year. For a 16-year-old, the rate will be lower, and the exact amount varies. To find the correct rate, check your award or the Fair Work website. The take-home pay for an adult on the minimum wage is roughly $45,013 per year after tax and Medicare.