Minimum Wage for 17 Year Olds: $15.29/hr (2026)

Minimum wage for a 17 year old in Australia is $15.29/hr ($19.11 casual). That's 57.8% of the adult rate.

Last verified: 1 July 2026

$15.29

Per hour

$19.11

Casual/hr

$581

Per week (38hrs)

$30,213

Per year

57.8% of the adult rate ($26.44/hr) · Effective 1 July 2026

At 17, the national minimum wage is $15.29 per hour, or $19.11/hr if you're casual. That's a decent step up from the 16-year-old rate, and you're entitled to every cent of it.

You're now earning 57.8% of the adult rate — up from 47.3% at 16. That's roughly a 22% pay bump just for turning a year older. If you're working under a Modern Award (Retail, Hospitality, Fast Food are common for 17 year olds), your actual rate is likely higher than the national minimum. Check your payslip against your award rate.

Good to know: If you've been working since you were 16, check that your pay went up when you turned 17. Your employer should adjust your rate automatically, but it doesn't always happen. If they missed it, you're owed back pay from your birthday.

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

What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old in Australia?

The national minimum wage for a 17 year old is $15.29/hr (permanent) or $19.11/hr (casual with 25% loading). This is 57.8% of the adult rate. Most 17 year olds working in retail, hospitality, or fast food will be covered by a Modern Award, which may set a higher minimum rate.

Does my pay automatically go up when I turn 17?

Your employer is legally required to increase your pay when you move to the next age bracket. The increase should apply from the first full pay period on or after your birthday. If it didn't happen, raise it with your employer — and if they don't fix it, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How much should a 17 year old casual get paid?

A 17 year old casual on the national minimum wage gets $19.11/hr — that's the $15.29 base rate plus 25% casual loading. Casual loading compensates you for not getting paid leave, sick leave, or public holidays. Under specific awards like Retail or Fast Food, the casual rate may be slightly higher.

Can I negotiate a higher rate at 17?

Absolutely. The minimum wage is just that — a minimum. If you're reliable, skilled, or have been with the employer for a while, it's perfectly reasonable to ask for more. Many employers pay above-award rates to keep good workers. Just make sure any agreed rate is still at or above the legal minimum.

Minimum wage by age

Age 16 — $12.51/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.