Quick Summary
- •The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026 (up 5.97% from $24.95)
- •For a standard 38-hour week, that's $1,004.90 per week before tax
- •Casual employees receive 25% loading: $33.05 per hour
- •Modern award wages increased by 4.75% (separate from the 5.97% NMW increase) — affects ~2.7M workers
- •Entry-level rate (first 6 months): minimum $25.74 per hour
- •After tax (with the new 15% bracket + WATO offset), take-home is approximately $870.00 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% | $9.73 |
| 16 years | 47.3% | $12.50 |
| 17 years | 57.8% | $15.28 |
| 18 years | 68.3% | $18.06 |
| 19 years | 82.5% | $21.81 |
| 20 years | 97.7% | $25.83 |
| 21+ years | 100% | $26.44 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27(Current) | $26.44 | $1,004.90 | +5.97% |
| 2025-26 | $24.95 | $948.00 | +3.5% |
| 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 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage in Australia is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour work week. This is a 5.97% increase from the previous $24.95/hour, announced by the Fair Work Commission on 2 June 2026.
What is the casual minimum wage in Australia?
Casual workers receive a 25% loading on top of the base minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the casual minimum wage is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 + 25% loading).
How much is minimum wage after tax?
On the new minimum wage of $52,255 per year, you'll take home approximately $45,263 after tax, Medicare levy, and the Working Australians Tax Offset (2026-27 tax year). That's about $870 per week.
What is the minimum wage for under 18?
Junior workers earn a percentage of the adult minimum wage based on their age. From 1 July 2026, at 16 years old the minimum is $12.50/hour (47.3%). At 17, it's $15.28/hour (57.8%). At 18, it's $18.06/hour (68.3%).
When does the minimum wage increase?
The minimum wage is reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. New rates take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year. The 2026 decision was handed down on 2 June 2026.
Did award wages also increase?
Yes, but by a different amount. Modern award wages increased by 4.75%, while the National Minimum Wage increased by 5.97% (to $26.44/hour). Around 2.7 million Australians are covered by awards.
What is the entry-level minimum rate?
For the first 6 months of employment, awards must pay at least $25.74 per hour (2026-27). After 6 months, the standard award minimum applies.
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.
Open Salary CalculatorRelated Guides
New 15% Tax Bracket 2026-27 →
The tax cut that lifts minimum-wage take-home
Working Australians Tax Offset →
Up to $250 extra back at tax time
Tax Brackets 2025-26 →
Complete guide to Australian income tax rates
Cost of Living →
Compare living costs across Australian cities
Working Holiday Tax →
Tax rates for 417 and 462 visa holders
Salary Guide →
Compare salaries for 70+ roles across Australia
All Calculators →
Free Australian tax and salary calculators
HECS Calculator →
Calculate your HECS/HELP repayments
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: June 2026 (following the FWC Annual Wage Review 2026 decision)