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Minimum wage for 18 year old: How it compares to the national average

The on-site notes do not provide a specific figure for the minimum wage for 18 year olds. The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour, but junior rates apply for workers under 21.

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

Understanding the minimum wage for 18 year olds in Australia

The national full-time average as a reference

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2083.7 per week, about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, × 52). This is the site's line. The full-time median is about $90,532 (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median is about $74,100. These figures are distinct from the minimum wage.

The adult minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1004.9 a week, about $52,255 a year on 38 hours. This is for adults (21 and over). For 18 year olds, junior rates apply. The on-site notes do not provide a specific figure for 18 year olds. Award minimums rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026.

Junior rates for 18 year olds

For workers under 21, Fair Work sets junior rates as a percentage of the adult minimum wage. The exact rate for 18 year olds is not published in the on-site notes. Typically, the percentage increases with age. For 18 year olds, it is often around 70-80% of the adult rate, but this is not confirmed by the on-site notes. For the precise figure, refer to the relevant award or Fair Work.

Take-home pay sketch for the adult minimum wage

Using the adult minimum wage of $52,255 per year, a resident tax 2026–27 applies: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $45,000; 37% to $135,000; 45% above that. Medicare levy 2% before reductions. For $52, the tax would be about $7,241.6, Medicare $1,045.1, total $7,241. Take-home about $45,013. This is for the adult minimum wage. For 18 year old, the pay would be lower due to junior rates, so the take-home would be less than the adult minimum wage.

How the figures are set

The figures are set by the ABS, Fair Work, and the ATO. The average is ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. The medians are ABS Employee earnings, August 2025. The minimum wage is Fair Work, from 1 July 2026. The on-site notes provide the adult minimum wage for 18 year olds is not published.

Summary

The national full-time average is $108,352. The adult minimum wage is about $52,255. For 18 year olds, the minimum wage is lower, but the exact figure is not provided in the on-site notes. Use Place a salary on the line to see how any salary compares. See How the figures are set for more detail.

Questions

What is the minimum wage for an 18 year old in Australia?

The on-site notes do not provide a specific figure for the minimum wage for 18 year olds. The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but junior rates apply for workers under 21. Fair Work sets these rates as a percentage of the adult minimum wage, but the exact percentage for 18 year olds is not published in the on-site notes.

How does the minimum wage for 18 year olds compare to the national average?

The national full-time average ordinary-time average is $108,352 per year. The adult minimum wage is about $52,255 per year, which is about 48% of the average. For 18 year olds, the junior rate is lower, so the pay would be less than the adult minimum wage. The on-site notes do not provide the exact figure for 18 year olds, so a precise comparison is not possible.

What are the junior rates for 18 year olds under the national minimum wage?

Fair Work sets junior rates as a percentage of the adult minimum wage for employees under 21. The exact percentage for 18 year olds is not published in the on-site notes. Typically, the rate increases with age. For 18 year olds, it is often around 70-80% of the adult rate, but this is not confirmed by the on-site notes. For the precise figure, refer to the relevant award or Fair Work.

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