From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is
That is a rise of 6.0% on last year's $24.95 an hour. Casual employees get at least $33.05 an hour with the 25% casual loading.
Minimum wage after tax
Working full-time on the minimum wage, you take home about $869.80 a week ($45,229 a year) in 2026–27, after $115.01 income tax and $20.10 Medicare levy a week. Your employer also pays at least $120.59 a week into your super on top.
| Hours a week | Before tax / week | Take-home / week | Take-home / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 hours | $396.67 | $396.67 | $20,627 |
| 20 hours | $528.89 | $515.52 | $26,807 |
| 25 hours | $661.12 | $615.67 | $32,015 |
| 30 hours | $793.34 | $720.83 | $37,483 |
| 38 hours (full-time) | $1,004.90 | $869.80 | $45,229 |
Assumes you claim the tax-free threshold with one employer, have no HECS-HELP debt and work the same hours every week. For other rates see hourly rates after tax or the pay calculator.
Who gets the minimum wage
The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor for adult employees who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. Most Australian employees are covered by a modern award, and award rates are usually higher than the minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, award minimum rates rose by 4.75%.
- Award and agreement employees must be paid at least the rate for their award classification. Look it up with the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay calculator.
- Casual employees get a casual loading on top, at least 25%, because they don't get paid leave. On the minimum wage that is $33.05 an hour.
- Junior employees, apprentices and trainees can be paid a percentage of the adult rate, set by their award or by special minimum wage rules.
- Employees with a disability whose productivity is affected may be paid under the supported wage system.
The new rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
Minimum wage history
The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages every year, with new rates starting on 1 July.
| From | Per hour | Per week | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2026 | $26.44 | $1,004.90 | 6.0% |
| 1 July 2025 | $24.95 | $948.00 | 3.5% |
| 1 July 2024 | $24.10 | $915.90 | 3.7% |
| 1 July 2023 | $23.23 | $882.80 | 8.6% |
| 1 July 2022 | $21.38 | $812.60 | 5.2% |
| 1 July 2021 | $20.33 | $772.60 | 2.5% |
| 1 July 2020 | $19.84 | $753.80 | 1.8% |
| 1 July 2019 | $19.49 | $740.80 | 3.0% |
| 1 July 2018 | $18.93 | $719.20 | 3.5% |
| 1 July 2017 | $18.29 | $694.90 | 3.3% |
| 1 July 2016 | $17.70 | $672.70 | 2.4% |
| 1 July 2015 | $17.29 | $656.90 | – |
Common questions
Is the minimum wage before or after tax?
Before tax. $26.44 an hour is your gross pay. Full-time, you keep about $22.89 an hour after income tax and the Medicare levy.
Does the minimum wage include super?
No. Your employer must pay the 12% superannuation guarantee on top of your wage, into your super fund.
How much is the minimum wage a year?
$52,255 before tax for a full-time employee working 38 hours a week for 52 weeks, or about $45,229 after tax.
When does the minimum wage go up next?
The next increase will be decided in the Fair Work Commission's 2026–27 Annual Wage Review, usually announced in early June, and would apply from 1 July 2027.
Think you're underpaid? Check your award rate and contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94. It's free.
Source: Fair Work Commission, Annual Wage Review 2025–26 decision (2 June 2026), and earlier annual wage reviews.