Minimum Wage Australia 2026: Hourly, Weekly and Yearly Rates
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is set by Fair Work at $26.44 an hour. For a full-time employee working 38 hours a week, that works out to $1,004.90 a week and about $52,255 a year before tax. This is the legal minimum pay for adult employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. The rate applies to all employees, including part-time and casual workers, who must receive at least this hourly rate. Casual employees also get a casual loading, typically 25%, on top of the minimum wage.
Reading the same pay as a year, a week and an hour
The site's tool lets you enter a yearly salary and see the equivalent weekly and hourly figures based on a 38-hour week. For the minimum wage, entering $52,255 gives a weekly figure of $1,004.90 and an hourly figure of $26.44. You can Place a salary on the line to see how any amount compares. The tool also shows the distance from the full-time average line, so you can see exactly where the minimum wage sits relative to the national benchmark.
How the minimum wage sits against the full-time average
The full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week or $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The minimum wage is roughly half that. The full-time median is $90,532, and the all-employees median is $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The minimum wage is below all these benchmarks. Men's full-time average is $113,412 and women's is $100,594, both well above the minimum. This highlights the gap between the legal floor and typical earnings.
State and territory comparisons
Full-time averages vary by state. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest full-time average at $119,090, while Tasmania has the lowest at $96,008. The minimum wage of $52,255 is below every state average. See States and territories for more detail. For example, Western Australia's full-time average is $115,825, New South Wales $109,658, Victoria $106,137, Queensland $106,064, South Australia $102,450, Northern Territory $103,173, and Tasmania $96,008. Even in the lowest state, the average is nearly double the minimum wage.
Award minimums also increased
Alongside the national minimum wage, award minimums rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. This affects many employees in specific industries such as retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. The national minimum wage itself is the floor for those not covered by an award. For industry-specific medians, see Industry medians. Award rates are often higher than the national minimum wage, reflecting the skills and conditions of particular jobs.
Tax considerations
The 2026–27 resident tax rates apply: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. The Medicare levy of 2% also applies. A minimum wage earner on $52,255 would pay tax at the 30% marginal rate on income above $45,000, but the effective rate is lower. The ATO administers these rates. After tax and Medicare, the take-home pay would be around $44,000, depending on individual circumstances.
How the figures are set
The national minimum wage is determined by Fair Work each financial year. The full-time average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings series, published twice a year for May and November. Medians are from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, most recently for August 2025. For more on methodology, see How the figures are set. The site uses these official sources to provide a consistent benchmark.
Conclusion
The national minimum wage for 2026 provides a baseline for pay in Australia. While it is significantly below the full-time average, it ensures a minimum standard for workers. Use the site's tool to compare any salary against the full-time average line. Whether you are an employee checking your pay or an employer setting wages, understanding where the minimum wage sits helps you make informed decisions.