Minimum wage in Australia

A statutory national minimum wage

Australia has a National Minimum Wage, reviewed every year by an independent tribunal, the Fair Work Commission. Most workers are covered by awards that set higher rates for their occupation.

Headline figure (from 1 July 2026)

26.44 AUD per hour

The National Minimum Wage for adults not covered by an award or agreement.

Roughly US$3,187 a month for a full-time worker, at exchange rates of 2026-10-09. This is a rough comparison only and does not show buying power.

Checked October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Check the date. Minimum wages change, in many countries every year. The figure above is the one in force at the date shown. Confirm the current amount with the official source below before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal or employment advice.

Who sets it

The Fair Work Commission, an independent tribunal, sets the National Minimum Wage and the minimum rates in awards, in its Annual Wage Review.

How it changes

The review is held every year and the new rates normally take effect on 1 July.

Who is covered, and who is treated differently

Awards set the minimum pay for occupations and industries, and for most workers the award rate is higher than the National Minimum Wage.
Casual workers receive a loading on top of the hourly rate.
Junior and apprentice rates are set separately in awards.

What to watch for

The figure shown is the base rate for an adult who is not covered by an award or agreement.

Understand the legal system first

Australia belongs to the Common law family. How pay is regulated depends on how the legal system makes and applies labour law.

Read the Australia legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Compare Australia with another country →

Official sources

Take it further

Employment Offer Letter template $5
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TheLawToKnow Tools’s Minimum Wage by Country guide is an educational overview. It is not legal or employment advice, and it does not replace the official source or a lawyer in the country. Report a mistake.