Minimum Wage for 18 Year Olds: $18.06/hr (2026)

Minimum wage for a 18 year old in Australia is $18.06/hr ($22.58 casual). That's 68.3% of the adult rate.

Last verified: 1 July 2026

$18.06

Per hour

$22.58

Casual/hr

$686

Per week (38hrs)

$35,687

Per year

68.3% of the adult rate ($26.44/hr) · Effective 1 July 2026

Turning 18 comes with a solid pay rise. The national minimum wage for an 18 year old is $18.06 per hour, or $22.58/hr casual. That's 68.3% of the adult rate — nearly $3 more per hour than when you were 17.

At 18, you're earning 68.3% of the adult minimum. The jump from 17 to 18 is one of the bigger increases in the junior scale. If you're working 20 hours a week, that's roughly an extra $55/week compared to the 17-year-old rate. Note: the Fair Work Commission ruled on 31 March 2026 to abolish junior rates for 18-20 year olds. From 1 December 2026, you'll be entitled to the full $26.44/hr.

Good to know: Now that you're 18, you can also work unrestricted hours in most states. But watch your uni or TAFE commitments. If you're studying full-time, you might also be eligible for Youth Allowance on top of your wages — use our Youth Allowance Calculator to check.

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 an 18 year old in Australia?

The national minimum wage for an 18 year old is $18.06/hr (permanent) or $22.58/hr (casual with 25% loading). This is 68.3% of the adult rate of $26.44/hr. If you're covered by a Modern Award, your rate may be higher. Check the General Retail, Fast Food, or Hospitality awards if that's your industry.

How much should an 18 year old earn per week?

On a 38-hour full-time week at the national minimum, an 18 year old earns $686.28/week before tax. Most 18 year olds work part-time or casual though — at 20 hours/week casual, that's $451.60/week. Your actual amount depends on your hours, award, and employment type.

Will junior rates be abolished for 18 year olds?

Yes. The Fair Work Commission ruled on 31 March 2026 to abolish junior rates for workers aged 18-20. From 1 December 2026, 18 year olds will receive the full adult rate of $26.44/hr — a 46% pay rise. Use our Junior Rates Pay Rise Calculator to see exactly how much more you'll earn.

Do I get the same leave entitlements as adults at 18?

Yes. Age doesn't affect your leave entitlements. If you're permanent (full-time or part-time), you get 4 weeks annual leave, 10 days personal/carer's leave, and all other NES entitlements from day one. Casuals don't get paid leave but receive 25% loading instead.

Minimum wage by age

Age 16 — $12.51/hr Age 17 — $15.29/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.