Minimum wages
Minimum wages are the lowest amount that an employee can be paid for their work, as set out in awards or registered agreements. These wages are the baseline payment standards for different types of jobs and industries.
Minimum wages represent the legal baseline salary that employers must pay their employees. These rates vary depending on the job type and industry and are outlined in awards or registered agreements. They ensure that employees are paid fairly for their work and protect against exploitation. Minimum wages can change annually, reflecting cost of living adjustments and economic conditions.
Minimum wages from 1 July 2026
Rates current from 1 July 2026.
Minimum wages are set each year by the Fair Work Commission in the Annual Wage Review. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour ($1,004.90 for a 38-hour week), casuals on the national minimum wage get at least $33.05 an hour, and modern award minimum rates rose by 4.75%. Most employees are covered by an award with higher rates than the national minimum wage. For example, the adult rate for a Retail Employee Level 1 under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 is $27.81 an hour.
Read our guide to modern awards or book an HR compliance audit.
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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