Minimum wage for a 16-year-old: where does it sit against the national average?
The national full-time adult average salary in Australia is $108,352 per year, based on the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. That figure — $2,083.70 per week — is the line that this site uses as a reference. For a 16-year-old earning the minimum wage, the comparison is not straightforward because there is no single rate for that age group.
The adult minimum wage as a starting point
Fair Work sets the national minimum wage for adult employees. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week. That works out to about $52,255 per year. Even this adult minimum is less than half the national full-time average. But for a 16-year-old, the rate is almost always lower.
Junior rates under awards
Most awards and the national minimum wage order include junior rates for employees under 21. The percentage of the adult rate increases with age. For a 16-year-old, the rate is typically between 40% and 60% of the adult minimum, depending on the industry and the specific award. For example, the General Retail Industry Award sets the junior rate for a 16-year-old at 45% of the adult rate. That would give an hourly wage of about $11.90, or $452 per week full-time. However, this is only one example; the actual rate depends on the award that covers the job.
Because the on-site notes do not contain a single published figure for a 16-year-old minimum wage, we cannot give a precise number. The site relies on the ABS, Fair Work, and the ATO for its data, and none of those sources provide a standalone figure for 16-year-olds. Instead, the rate is embedded in each award.
How the national average compares
The national full-time average of $108,352 is a useful benchmark. Even if a 16-year-old were paid the adult minimum wage, they would earn only 48% of that average. With a junior rate, the gap widens further. The full-time median salary is about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025), and the all-employees median is about $74,100. A 16-year-old on a typical junior rate would earn well below both medians.
Take-home pay: a resident sketch
For a resident, take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy. Using the 2026–27 tax rates, the first $18,200 is tax-free, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, and so on. The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income, with reductions for low earners.
If a 16-year-old works full-time on the adult minimum wage ($52,255), their annual tax would be about $5,784, plus Medicare levy of $1,045, leaving about $45,426 after tax. But on a junior rate, say $26,128 per year (assuming 50% of adult minimum), tax would be about $1,189 and Medicare levy $523, leaving about $24,416. Many 16-year-olds work part-time, so their take-home is even lower.
State differences
The national average masks variation across states. For example, the full-time average in Western Australia is $115,825, while in Tasmania it is $96,008. A 16-year-old in WA might compare against a higher benchmark, but their junior rate is still set by the same federal awards. Place a salary on the line to see how any wage stacks up against the national average.
Where to find the right rate
If you are a 16-year-old or an employer, the correct minimum wage depends on the award that applies to the job. Fair Work provides pay calculators and award summaries. The on-site notes do not replace that. For a general understanding of how salaries are measured, see How the figures are set.
Summary
The minimum wage for a 16-year-old is not a single number. It is a junior percentage of the adult national minimum wage, set by the relevant award. The adult minimum itself is $52,255 per year, far below the national full-time average of $108,352. A 16-year-old on a typical junior rate will earn significantly less, and their take-home pay will be lower still after tax. For a precise rate, consult the applicable award or Fair Work.