Quick Summary
- •The national minimum wage is $24.90 per hour (from 1 July 2025)
- •For a standard 38-hour week, that's $946.20 per week before tax
- •Casual employees receive 25% loading: $31.13 per hour
- •After tax, take-home is approximately $848.00 per week
Minimum Wage After Tax
Here's what you'll actually take home on the minimum wage after income tax and Medicare levy (assuming no HECS debt):
Casual Minimum Wage
Casual employees don't receive paid leave or other permanent employee benefits, so they receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum wage.
Casual Rate Calculation
What casual loading covers:
- • No paid annual leave
- • No paid sick/personal leave
- • No paid public holidays (if not worked)
- • No redundancy entitlements
Junior Minimum Wage Rates
Workers under 21 may be paid junior rates, which are a percentage of the adult minimum wage. These rates apply to the National Minimum Wage — many awards have different junior rates.
| Age | % of Adult | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 36.8% | $9.16 |
| 16 years | 47.3% | $11.78 |
| 17 years | 57.8% | $14.39 |
| 18 years | 68.3% | $17.01 |
| 19 years | 82.5% | $20.54 |
| 20 years | 97.7% | $24.33 |
| 21+ years | 100% | $24.90 |
Note: Many modern awards have abolished junior rates. Check your specific award atFair Work.
Minimum Wage History
The Fair Work Commission reviews the minimum wage annually. Here's how it has increased over recent years:
| Financial Year | Hourly Rate | Weekly Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26(Current) | $24.90 | $946.20 | +3.3% |
| 2024-25 | $24.10 | $915.90 | +3.75% |
| 2023-24 | $23.23 | $882.80 | +5.75% |
| 2022-23 | $21.38 | $812.60 | +4.6% |
| 2021-22 | $20.33 | $772.60 | +2.5% |
| 2020-21 | $19.84 | $753.80 | +1.75% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Australia 2025?
The national minimum wage in Australia for 2025-26 is $24.90 per hour, or $946.20 per week for a 38-hour work week. This rate came into effect on 1 July 2025.
What is the casual minimum wage in Australia?
Casual workers receive a 25% loading on top of the base minimum wage. The casual minimum wage is $31.13 per hour ($24.90 + 25% loading).
How much is minimum wage after tax?
On the minimum wage of $49,202 per year, you'll take home approximately $44,149 after tax. That's about $848 per week or $3,679 per month.
What is the minimum wage for under 18?
Junior workers earn a percentage of the adult minimum wage based on their age. At 16 years old, the minimum is $11.78/hour (47.3%). At 17, it's $14.39/hour (57.8%). At 18, it's $17.01/hour (68.3%).
When does the minimum wage increase?
The minimum wage is reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. New rates typically take effect from the first pay period on or after 1 July each year.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our free salary calculator to see exactly how much you'll take home after tax, Medicare levy, and super.
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This guide provides general information based on Fair Work Commission rates. Many employees are covered by awards or enterprise agreements with higher minimum rates. Check your applicable award at fairwork.gov.au.
Last updated: February 2026