Skip to main content
FairWorkMate

Your Pay Rights Australia 2026

Everything you need to check your pay is correct, in one place. Whether you are on minimum wage, earning penalties, or comparing job offers — the tools below will give you the answer in seconds.

Minimum Wage & Award Rates

Your employer must pay you at least the national minimum wage or the rate set by your Modern Award — whichever is higher. If you are under 21 or an apprentice, different rates may apply. These tools let you check in under a minute.

Salary & Take-Home Pay

Know what you actually take home after tax, Medicare, and HECS. Convert between hourly, weekly, and annual rates. If you are part-time, calculate your pro rata salary properly.

Casual vs Permanent

Casual workers get a 25% loading but miss out on paid leave, notice, and redundancy pay. Use these calculators to see whether casual or permanent actually pays more in your situation.

Penalties, Overtime & Shift Loading

Working weekends, public holidays, or overtime? You are almost certainly entitled to penalty rates. These tools calculate the exact multiplier for your award and shift type — and can work out back pay if you have been underpaid.

Guides & Articles

Deep dives on pay rates, wage reviews, and your rights when something does not add up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Australia in 2026?

The national minimum wage is $25.50 per hour ($969.00 per week for 38 hours) from 1 July 2025. The next Annual Wage Review decision takes effect 1 July 2026.

What is casual loading and how much should I get?

Casual loading is typically 25% on top of the base hourly rate. It compensates you for not receiving paid leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Some awards set a different percentage.

Can my employer pay me less than the award rate?

No. It is illegal to pay below the minimum rates set by your applicable Modern Award or the national minimum wage. If you are being underpaid, you can recover up to 6 years of back pay.

How do I know what award I'm covered by?

Your award depends on your industry and the type of work you do, not your job title. Use the Award Finder tool to look up the Modern Award covering your role, or check your payslip and employment contract.