What is the minimum wage in Australia?
The national minimum wage in Australia is set by Fair Work and applies to employees who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. From 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour, which equates to $1,004.90 per week or about $52,255 per year on a standard 38-hour week. Award minimums also increased by 4.75% from the same date.
This figure is the legal minimum pay before tax. It is updated annually by Fair Work after considering the economic climate, the needs of the low-paid, and the broader labour market.
How the minimum wage compares to the national average
The national full-time adult average salary, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 per year. That is more than double the minimum wage. The full-time median (the middle point of all full-time salaries) is $90,532, and the all-employees median (including part-time and casual) is $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
So if you are earning the minimum wage, your pay sits well below the average line. Most full-time workers earn more than the minimum, often because they are covered by an award that sets higher rates for their industry or role.
What would move your pay above or below the average?
Several factors can push your salary above or below the national average:
- Industry and occupation: Some industries pay significantly more than others. For example, mining and professional services tend to have high averages, while retail and hospitality often sit closer to the minimum. You can explore Industry medians and Job medians to see typical pay in your field.
- Location: Full-time average earnings vary by state and territory. The Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at about $119,090, while Tasmania has the lowest at about $96,008. Western Australia ($115,825) and New South Wales ($109,658) are also above the national average. See States and territories for a full breakdown.
- Experience and seniority: Entry-level roles often pay near the minimum or award rate, while experienced professionals and managers earn well above the average.
- Enterprise agreements: Many workplaces have negotiated pay rates above the award or minimum. These agreements can lift your pay significantly.
- Hours and employment type: Part-time and casual workers may earn less per year even if their hourly rate is above the minimum. The national average is based on full-time ordinary-time earnings.
Understanding the difference between average, median, and minimum
It is important to keep these three measures distinct:
- Average (mean): The sum of all full-time salaries divided by the number of workers. This can be pulled up by very high earners. The national full-time average is $108,352.
- Median: The middle salary when all full-time salaries are lined up. Half earn more, half earn less. The full-time median is $90,532.
- Minimum: The legal floor. The national minimum wage is $52,255 per year.
Most people earn between the minimum and the average. If you are earning the minimum, you are well below both the average and the median.
Tax on the minimum wage
For the 2026-27 income year, the resident tax rates are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (subject to reductions for low-income earners). A minimum wage earner on $52,255 would fall into the 30% bracket for the portion above $45,000, but the effective tax rate is lower due to the tax-free threshold.
How the figures are set
The national minimum wage is set by Fair Work after an annual review. The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year (May and November). The median figures come from the ABS Employee Earnings survey, most recently for August 2025. You can read more about How the figures are set.
Where to go next
If you want to see how your own salary compares to the national average, you can Place a salary on the line on this site. The tool will show your weekly and hourly pay on a 38-hour week, and how far you are above or below the full-time average.
For more context on pay across different roles and regions, browse the Guides section.
Summary
The national minimum wage in Australia from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or about $52,255 per year. This is well below the national full-time average of $108,352 and the full-time median of $90,532. Most workers earn more than the minimum, but your actual pay depends on your industry, location, and experience. Understanding where your salary sits relative to these benchmarks can help you negotiate or plan your career.
About this site explains how we calculate the line and where the data comes from.