Junior wage
A junior wage is a lower minimum pay rate set for younger, less experienced workers as outlined in relevant awards or agreements. The rate is usually a percentage of the wage that applies to an adult employee.
Junior wages apply to employees under a certain age, usually under 21. These wages are a percentage of the adult pay rate and increase incrementally as the young worker gets older. This system acknowledges the varying levels of experience and responsibility between younger and mature workers.
How junior rates work
Rates current from 1 July 2026.
Junior rates only apply where the employee's award or agreement includes them. They are a set percentage of the adult rate for the employee's classification and increase with each year of age, usually until the employee turns 20 or 21. Award and agreement free juniors are paid under the junior rates in the National Minimum Wage Order. For example, under the General Retail Industry Award 2020, a 17-year-old Retail Employee Level 1 is paid a percentage of the adult rate, which is $27.81 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Read our guide to the General Retail Industry Award.
General information only
This content is general information about Australian employment law, current at the date it was last reviewed. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call Employment Compass on 1300 144 002.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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