National Minimum Wage in Australia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Every employee in the national system has a right to at least the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission resets it every year through the Annual Wage Review, with the new rate taking effect on 1 July.
From 1 July 2025, that floor is $24.95 per hour, or $948.00 per 38-hour week before tax. The 2026 Annual Wage Review decision lands in June 2026 and takes effect 1 July 2026. Casual employees add a 25% casual loading on top — that loading is the trade-off for not getting paid leave or notice on termination.
The wrinkle that catches most underpayment cases: many workers are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement setting a higher rate than the national minimum. The employer has to pay whichever is higher — the national rate or the award rate.
- Junior employees (under 21) often have a lower percentage rate set by their award.
- Apprentices and trainees have separate minima keyed to their year of training.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee in the national workplace relations system (covers most private-sector workers).
- You are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate.
- Independent contractors are generally not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified, you may still have rights.
- Western Australia's state system covers some WA state-government and unincorporated employers separately.
What to Do If Your Australian Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Underpayment cases are won on the pay slips and the timesheet, not on memory.
- Check your pay slips against the current minimum or your award rate at fairwork.gov.au.
- Use the FWO's Pay Calculator to confirm the exact minimum for your award and classification.
- Raise underpayment with the employer in writing first. Many issues are payroll errors that get fixed once flagged.
- If nothing changes, call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or lodge online. Underpayment claims can reach back 6 years.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't take the employer's word for it. Check the rate yourself — payroll mistakes outnumber payroll fraud, but the gap matters either way.
- Don't accept cash in hand below the minimum. It's illegal and it strips you of super, workers' comp, and most enforcement leverage.
- Don't shrug it off because you're on a visa. Temporary visa holders have the same wage protections as citizens — and the FWO has been increasingly aggressive on visa-worker exploitation.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your state — you'll see how state law differs from Australian federal law.
6 states available
Common Questions
When does national minimum wage apply?
You are an employee in the national workplace relations system (covers most private-sector workers).You are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate.Independent contractors are generally not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified, you may still have rights.Western Australia's state system covers some WA state-government and unincorporated employers separately.
What should I do if my employer in Australia is paying me below the minimum wage?
Underpayment cases are won on the pay slips and the timesheet, not on memory.Check your pay slips against the current minimum or your award rate at fairwork.gov.au.Use the FWO's Pay Calculator to confirm the exact minimum for your award and classification.Raise underpayment with the employer in writing first. Many issues are payroll errors that get fixed once flagged.If nothing changes, call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or lodge online. Underpayment claims can reach back 6 years.
What mistakes should I avoid with national minimum wage?
Don't take the employer's word for it. Check the rate yourself — payroll mistakes outnumber payroll fraud, but the gap matters either way.Don't accept cash in hand below the minimum. It's illegal and it strips you of super, workers' comp, and most enforcement leverage.Don't shrug it off because you're on a visa. Temporary visa holders have the same wage protections as citizens — and the FWO has been increasingly aggressive on visa-worker exploitation.
National Minimum Wage in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.