Minimum wage in NSW
The minimum wage in NSW is the national minimum wage set by Fair Work. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year for a 38-hour week. This is the legal floor for most employees in the state, though many are covered by awards or agreements that pay more.
How the minimum wage compares to the national full-time average
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The minimum wage is roughly 48% of that figure. In NSW, the state full-time average is slightly higher at about $109,658 per year, so the minimum wage sits at about 48% of that as well.
How it compares to median earnings
Medians give a different picture. The full-time median is about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). The minimum wage is about 58% of that. The all-employees median (including part-time and casual) is about $74,100 per year, so the minimum wage is about 71% of that. These comparisons show that while the minimum wage is well below the average, it is closer to the median for all employees.
What the minimum wage means for your take-home pay
Using the 2026–27 tax rates (nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above) plus the 2% Medicare levy, a single person earning the minimum wage of $52,255 would pay roughly $6,177 in income tax and $1,045 in Medicare levy, leaving about $45,033. This is a simplified estimate; your actual tax may differ due to offsets or deductions.
Award rates and the minimum wage
The national minimum wage is the base. Many workers in NSW are covered by awards that set higher minimum rates. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%. For example, a retail employee or a hospitality worker may have a higher minimum wage under their award. Always check your award or agreement to see your correct rate.
How the minimum wage fits into the broader picture
The national full-time average is the benchmark used on this site. The minimum wage is far below that line, but it is the legal minimum. For context, the full-time average for men is about $113,412 and for women about $100,594 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The minimum wage is about 46% of the men's average and 52% of the women's average.
State comparisons
NSW's full-time average of about $109,658 is above the national average. Other states vary: Victoria about $106,137, Queensland about $106,064, South Australia about $102,450, Western Australia about $115,825, Tasmania about $96,008, Northern Territory about $103,173, and the ACT about $119,090. The minimum wage is the same across all states, so its relative position changes. For more on state figures, see New South Wales or States and territories.
Frequently asked questions about the minimum wage in NSW
Is the minimum wage in NSW different from the national minimum wage? No. The minimum wage in NSW is the national minimum wage set by Fair Work. There is no separate state minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year for a 38-hour week. However, many workers in NSW are covered by awards or enterprise agreements that pay more than the minimum.
How does the minimum wage in NSW compare to the full-time average in NSW? The full-time average in NSW is about $109,658 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The minimum wage of $52,255 is roughly 48% of that average. The national full-time average is about $108,352 per year, so the minimum wage is about 48% of that as well.
What is the take-home pay after tax on the minimum wage in NSW? For the 2026–27 financial year, a single person earning the minimum wage of $52,255 would pay no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% on the next $26,800, and 30% on the remaining $7,255. The estimated tax is about $6,177, plus the 2% Medicare levy of about $1,045, leaving a take-home pay of about $45,033 per year. This is a rough estimate; individual circumstances may vary.
Where to get more information
For a detailed breakdown of how your salary compares, Place a salary on the line. To understand how the figures are set, see How the figures are set. For guides on awards and wages, visit Guides.