Minimum Wage for 20 Year Olds: $25.84/hr (2026)

Minimum wage for a 20 year old in Australia is $25.84/hr ($32.30 casual). That's 97.7% of the adult rate.

Last verified: 1 July 2026

$25.84

Per hour

$32.30

Casual/hr

$982

Per week (38hrs)

$51,060

Per year

97.7% of the adult rate ($26.44/hr) · Effective 1 July 2026

At 20, you're almost at the full adult rate. The national minimum wage for a 20 year old is $25.84/hr, or $32.30/hr casual. That's 97.7% of the adult rate — just 60 cents less per hour.

You're so close to the adult rate now that the difference barely matters on a weekly basis — it's about $23 less per week on a 38-hour week compared to someone who's 21. Many employers just pay the full adult rate at this point anyway. If yours doesn't, your 21st birthday comes with a small but automatic pay bump.

Good to know: At 97.7% of the adult rate, some employers don't bother with the junior discount and just pay you the full $26.44. If you're being paid the junior rate, it's worth asking your boss to round up — the cost difference to them is minimal, and it shows they value your work.

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 20 year old in Australia?

The national minimum wage for a 20 year old is $25.84/hr (permanent) or $32.30/hr (casual with 25% loading). That's 97.7% of the adult rate. On a 38-hour week, that's $981.92/week or $51,059.84/year before tax.

When do I get the full adult minimum wage?

You move to the full adult rate of $26.44/hr from the first full pay period on or after your 21st birthday. Your employer should adjust this automatically. If they don't, raise it — and you're owed back pay from the date it should have changed.

Is the difference between 20 and 21 worth worrying about?

The gap is $0.60/hr — about $22.80 per week on full-time hours. Over a year that's around $1,185. It's not nothing, but it's the smallest gap in the junior scale. Some employers voluntarily pay the adult rate to 20 year olds to keep things simple.

Will junior rates be scrapped for 20 year olds?

Yes. The Fair Work Commission ruled on 31 March 2026 to abolish junior rates for 18-20 year olds from 1 December 2026. For 20 year olds, this means a modest bump from $25.84/hr to the full $26.44/hr. For 18 and 19 year olds the increase is much more significant.

Minimum wage by age

Age 16 — $12.51/hr Age 17 — $15.29/hr Age 18 — $18.06/hr Age 19 — $21.82/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.