As an employee, there is a minimum amount you can be paid for doing a specific job. Different states may have slightly different minimum wage rates, and various factors like employment category and experience can also impact wage rates.
The purpose of the minimum wage is to protect workers against unfairly low payments. In this article, we explain the Australian minimum wage for employees.
What is the Australian minimum wage?
The minimum wage is the lowest amount that you can legally be paid to do a job. Australia’s minimum wage is currently $18.29 per hour or $694.90 per 38 hour week (before tax). The national minimum wage applies to full-time, part-time, and casual employees.
Who Sets the Minimum Wage in Australia?
The Fair Work Commission is responsible for setting the National Minimum Wage in Australia. The minimum wage is set every year by a commission, expert panel, composed of specialists. The Australian government enforces wage laws, penalizing wage theft and upholding workers’ rights.
Minimum wage for young workers
In Australia, any employee under the age of 21 is classified as a junior employee. Generally, depending on their age, underage workers will be paid a percentage of the adult pay rate.
- under 16 years of age: 36.8% of national minimum wage = lowest hourly rate of $9.18
- 16 years of age: 47.3% of national minimum wage = minimum hourly rate of $11.80
- 17 years of age: 57.8% of national minimum wage = minimum hourly rate of $14.42
- 18 years of age: 68.3% of national minimum wage = minimum hourly rate of $17.04
- 19 years of age: 82.5% of national minimum wage = minimum hourly rate of $20.58
- 20 years of age: 97.7% of national minimum wage = minimum hourly rate of $24.38
Australia is one of the most advanced countries in the world. The minimum wage in Australia increased on 1 July 2025—rising from $24.10 per hour to $24.95 per hour.
