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National minimum wage: where it sits against the Australian full-time average

The national minimum wage of about $52,255 a year is roughly 48% of the full-time adult ordinary-time average of $108,352 a year.

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

National minimum wage and the full-time average

The national minimum wage is the legal floor for most employees in Australia. From 1 July 2026, Fair Work set it at $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, or about $52,255 a year on a 38-hour week. This article explains where that figure sits against the national full-time average, the medians, and state averages.

How the minimum wage compares to the full-time average

The ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026 show a national full-time adult ordinary-time average of $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year. The national minimum wage is roughly 48% of that average. The gap is large: the minimum wage is about $56,000 a year less than the average.

The full-time median, from the ABS Employee Earnings survey of August 2025, is about $90,532 a year. The all-employees median (including part-time and casual) is about $74,100. The minimum wage sits well below both medians. Men's full-time average is about $113,412; women's is about $100,594. The minimum wage is below both.

Award minimums and the minimum wage

Award minimums rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Many awards pay more than the national minimum wage. For example, a retail employee under the General Retail Industry Award may earn a higher rate. The national minimum wage is the safety net for workers not covered by an award or agreement. If you are unsure which rate applies, you can place a salary on the line to see how it compares.

State differences

Full-time averages vary by state and territory. The highest is the Australian Capital Territory at about $119,090 a year; the lowest is Tasmania at about $96,008. The national minimum wage is below every state average. For more detail, see the states and territories page.

State full-time averages (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026):

  • New South Wales: $109,658
  • Victoria: $106,137
  • Queensland: $106,064
  • South Australia: $102,450
  • Western Australia: $115,825
  • Tasmania: $96,008
  • Northern Territory: $103,173
  • Australian Capital Territory: $119,090

Tax on the minimum wage

For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200; 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy is 2% before any reductions.

A worker on the national minimum wage of about $52,255 would pay approximately $6,200 in tax plus $1,045 in Medicare levy, leaving about $44,900 after tax. This is a rough estimate; use the ATO's tax calculator for precise figures.

Medians and the minimum wage

The ABS Employee Earnings survey (August 2025) gives medians that help put the minimum wage in context. The full-time median of $90,532 is 73% higher than the minimum wage. The all-employees median of $74,100 is 42% higher. The minimum wage is a floor, not a typical wage.

Why the gap matters

The gap between the minimum wage and the average reflects the structure of the labour market. Many workers earn above the minimum due to awards, enterprise agreements, or market rates. The national minimum wage is designed to provide a basic standard of living, but it is not a living wage in the sense of meeting all costs. For more on how figures are set, see How the figures are set.

Frequently asked questions

See the FAQs above for common queries about the national minimum wage.

Summary

The national minimum wage of about $52,255 a year is significantly below the full-time average of $108,352. It is about 48% of the average, and well below the medians. State averages are all above the minimum wage. The minimum wage is updated annually by Fair Work each year. For a personal comparison, you can Place a salary on the line to see where it sits.

Further reading

Questions

What is the national minimum wage in Australia from 1 July 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, or about $52,255 a year based on a 38-hour week. This figure is set by Fair Work and applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement.

How does the national minimum wage compare to the full-time average salary?

The national minimum wage of about $52,255 a year is well below the full-time adult ordinary-time average of $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). It is also lower than the full-time median of about $90,532 and the all-employees median of about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).

What is the national minimum wage after tax in 2026–27?

For 2026–27, a worker earning the national minimum wage of about $52,255 a year 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 $6,200, plus the 2% Medicare levy, leaving roughly $44,900 after tax. Use the ATO's tax tables for exact figures.

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