Minimum Wage for 19 Year Olds: $21.82/hr (2026)

Minimum wage for a 19 year old in Australia is $21.82/hr ($27.28 casual). That's 82.5% of the adult rate.

Last verified: 1 July 2026

$21.82

Per hour

$27.28

Casual/hr

$829

Per week (38hrs)

$43,116

Per year

82.5% of the adult rate ($26.44/hr) · Effective 1 July 2026

At 19, the national minimum wage is $21.82/hr, or $27.28/hr for casuals. You're now earning 82.5% of the adult rate — and the gap is closing fast.

The jump from 18 to 19 is the biggest single increase on the junior scale: you go from 68.3% to 82.5% of the adult rate. That's a $3.76/hr pay rise just for turning 19. On a 38-hour week, that's an extra $142.88/week. If you've been copping it on junior rates, this is where it starts to feel more fair.

Good to know: At $21.82/hr, you're close to the adult rate but still a few dollars short. If you're doing the same work as someone who's 21, you might feel that's not right — and you're not alone. The Fair Work Commission ruled on 31 March 2026 to scrap junior rates for 18-20 year olds. From 1 December 2026, you'll receive the full adult rate of $26.44/hr. In the meantime, nothing stops you from negotiating above-award pay.

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 19 year old get paid in Australia?

The national minimum wage for a 19 year old is $21.82/hr (permanent) or $27.28/hr (casual). That's 82.5% of the adult minimum wage. On a full-time 38-hour week, that works out to $829.16/week or $43,116.32/year before tax.

Why do 19 year olds get paid less than adults?

Junior pay rates were originally set to encourage employers to hire younger, less experienced workers. The idea is that a lower minimum makes it easier for young people to get their foot in the door. The Fair Work Commission ruled on 31 March 2026 that this is no longer justified for older juniors. Under the Retail, Fast Food and Pharmacy Awards, 18, 19 and 20 year olds who have been with their employer for more than 6 months move to the adult rate for their classification. The Commission has said the change could start from 1 December 2026 and will be phased in, with the step dates still being settled — rates for under-18s, and for 18-20 year olds in their first 6 months, do not change.

How much more will I earn when I turn 20?

At 20, you'll move to 97.7% of the adult rate — $25.84/hr (or $32.30 casual). That's a $4.02/hr increase from the 19-year-old rate. On 38 hours/week, it's an extra $152.76 per week. The increase kicks in from the first full pay period after your 20th birthday.

Can I get Youth Allowance while working at 19?

If you're studying full-time, you may be eligible for Youth Allowance even while working. The income test allows you to earn some wages before your payment is reduced. Use our Youth Allowance Calculator to see if you qualify and how much you'd receive.

Minimum wage by age

Age 16 — $12.51/hr Age 17 — $15.29/hr Age 18 — $18.06/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.