Minimum wage NZ and the Australian full-time average
This page looks at the New Zealand minimum wage and how it relates to the Australian full-time average. Because this site is built on Australian data, we rely on sources such as the ABS, Fair Work, and the ATO. The New Zealand minimum wage is not covered by those sources, so we cannot give a precise figure. Instead, we explain the Australian benchmarks and note where the New Zealand rate would sit if it were known.
The Australian 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, multiplied by 52). This is the line used on this site. The full-time median is about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). Men's full-time average is about $113,412; women's about $100,594.
Australia's minimum wage
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week (Fair Work). Award minimums rose 4.75%. This is the floor for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement. It is well below the full-time average.
Where does the New Zealand minimum wage sit?
Without the current New Zealand minimum wage from the New Zealand, we cannot say exactly where it falls against the Australian full-time average. Typically, New Zealand's minimum wage is reviewed annually and is often close to or slightly below Australia's. For example, in recent years the New Zealand adult minimum wage has been around NZ$23–24 per hour, which is lower than Australia's $26.44. But that is an illustrative range, not a current figure. The Australian full-time average is much higher than either country's minimum.
State full-time averages for context
If you are comparing a New Zealand salary to Australian states, here are the full-time averages from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026:
- New South Wales: about $109,658
- 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
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090
These are full-time ordinary-time averages. The New Zealand minimum wage would be far below all of them.
Using this site for your salary
If you have an Australian salary, you can Place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average, medians, and minimum wage. You can also explore States and territories to see how averages vary across Australia. This site does not handle New Zealand data, but the Australian benchmarks can give you a sense of the gap.
Tax considerations
For Australian residents in 2026–27, tax rates are: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above that. Medicare levy is 2% before reductions. New Zealand has its own tax system. The Australian minimum wage of $52,255 would attract about $5,092 in tax plus Medicare, leaving about $47,163 after tax. The full-time average of $108,352 would attract about $24,667 in tax plus Medicare, leaving about $83,685. These figures are illustrative.
Conclusion
The New Zealand minimum wage is not available from the sources this site uses. For a precise comparison, check the official New Zealand government website. In Australia, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, well below the full-time average of $2,083.70 per week. The gap between minimum and average is substantial in both countries.