Minimum wage in Perth: a resident take‑home sketch
If you are looking for the minimum wage in Perth, the answer is the same as the national minimum wage. Fair Work sets a single national minimum wage that applies to all states and territories, including Western Australia. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, or about $52,255 a year on a 38‑hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% at the same time, so some workers covered by an award may receive a higher rate.
How the minimum wage compares to the national average
The site’s reference line is the national full‑time adult ordinary‑time average: $2,083.70 a week, about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The minimum wage sits well below that line — roughly half the average. In Western Australia, the full‑time average is even higher at $115,825 a year, reflecting the state’s strong mining and resources sectors. The national full‑time median of $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025) also towers over the minimum wage.
This gap is not unusual. The minimum wage is designed as a safety net, not a typical salary. Most full‑time employees earn more than the minimum, often through award rates, enterprise agreements, or market‑driven pay.
A take‑home pay sketch for a minimum‑wage resident
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates and the Medicare levy, we can sketch what a minimum‑wage earner in Perth might take home. For a gross annual salary of $52,255:
- Tax on the first $18,200: nil
- Tax on the next $26,800 (up to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
- Tax on the remaining $7,255 (above $45,000): 30% = $2,176.50
- Total income tax: about $6,197
- Medicare levy (2% of $52,255): about $1,045
- Total deductions: about $7,242
- Estimated take‑home: around $45,000 a year (before any tax offsets or family benefits)
This is a rough sketch. Individual circumstances — such as the low‑income tax offset, HELP debt repayments, or dependants — can change the final amount. The ATO provides a more precise calculator for your situation.
Why the minimum wage matters for Perth residents
Perth’s cost of living, especially housing and transport, can be higher than the national average. The minimum wage provides a floor, but many workers in retail, hospitality, and care rely on award rates that are above the minimum. If you are earning the minimum wage, you may want to check whether your award or agreement entitles you to more.
You can Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares to the national full‑time average. For state‑by‑state comparisons, see our States and territories page. The national averages and medians used here come from the ABS and Fair Work, as detailed on How the figures are set.
Frequently asked questions about the minimum wage in Perth
Is there a separate minimum wage for Perth? No. The national minimum wage applies uniformly across Australia. Perth workers are covered by the same Fair Work rates as workers in Sydney, Melbourne, or regional areas.
How often does the minimum wage change? Fair Work reviews the national minimum wage annually. The current rate took effect on 1 July 2026. The next review will be announced in mid‑2027.
What if I am covered by an award? Award minimums are generally higher than the national minimum wage. For example, the Hospitality Award or the General Retail Award set higher hourly rates. Check your award classification on the Fair Work website or contact your employer.
Summary
The minimum wage in Perth is the national minimum wage: $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, about $52,255 a year. It is roughly half the national full‑time average of $108,352 and well below the Western Australia average of $115,825. A resident earning the minimum wage might take home around $45,000 after tax and Medicare. For a personalised comparison, Place a salary on the line or explore Industry medians to see how your field pays.