Minimum Wage for 16 Year Olds: $12.51/hr (2026)

Minimum wage for a 16 year old in Australia is $12.51/hr ($15.64 casual). That's 47.3% of the adult rate.

Last verified: 1 July 2026

$12.51

Per hour

$15.64

Casual/hr

$475

Per week (38hrs)

$24,720

Per year

47.3% of the adult rate ($26.44/hr) · Effective 1 July 2026

If you're 16 and working in Australia, the national minimum wage for your age is $12.51 per hour. That's the legal floor — your employer cannot pay you less than this. If you're casual, you get 25% on top, bringing it to $15.64/hr.

At 16, you're paid 47.3% of the adult minimum wage. This is called the junior rate, and it applies under the national minimum wage order. If you're covered by a Modern Award (most workers are), your actual rate could be higher — always check your specific award. Common awards for 16 year olds include Retail, Fast Food, and Hospitality.

Good to know: Starting your first job? Make sure you get a payslip every pay cycle — it's the law. Your employer also has to pay super (12%) on top of your wages if you work more than 30 hours in a week — for under-18s it's the hours that matter, not how much you earn.

All Junior Rates at a Glance

Age	% of Adult	Hourly	Casual/hr	Weekly (38hrs)
16	47.3%	$12.51	$15.64	$475
17	57.8%	$15.29	$19.11	$581
18	68.3%	$18.06	$22.58	$686
19	82.5%	$21.82	$27.28	$829
20	97.7%	$25.84	$32.30	$982
21+	100%	$26.44	$33.05	$1005

National minimum wage rates from 1 July 2026. Award rates may be higher.

Check Your Exact Rate

The rates above are the national minimum. Your actual rate might be higher if you're covered by a Modern Award. Use the calculator below to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 16 year old get paid per hour in Australia?

The national minimum wage for a 16 year old is $12.51 per hour (full-time or part-time) or $15.64 per hour for casuals including 25% loading. This is 47.3% of the adult minimum wage of $26.44/hr. Many awards pay higher — for example, a Level 1 casual under the Fast Food Award would earn more than the national minimum.

Do 16 year olds get superannuation?

Yes, if you work more than 30 hours in a week, your employer must pay super at 12% on top of your wages — that's the special rule for under-18s. The old $450-a-month earnings threshold was abolished in July 2022, so it's your weekly hours that matter, not your earnings. Even small amounts of super at 16 grow significantly over time thanks to compound returns.

How many hours can a 16 year old work in Australia?

There's no national limit on hours for 16 year olds, but state laws apply. In most states, during school term you can work limited hours on school days (usually not before 6am or after 10pm). During holidays, there are fewer restrictions. Your employer must also follow any award rules about minimum shift lengths — usually 3 hours.

Can my employer pay me less than minimum wage at 16?

No. The national minimum wage of $12.51/hr for 16 year olds is the legal floor. If your award rate is higher, your employer must pay the award rate. If you think you're being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 — they can help you recover back pay going back up to 6 years.

Minimum wage by age

Age 17 — $15.29/hr Age 18 — $18.06/hr Age 19 — $21.82/hr Age 20 — $25.84/hr 21+ (Adult) — $26.44/hr

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.