Minimum Wage for 21+ Year Olds: $26.44/hr (2026)

The adult minimum wage in Australia is $26.44/hr ($33.05 casual) from July 2026. Check your exact rate.

Last verified: 1 July 2026

$26.44

Per hour

$33.05

Casual/hr

$1005

Per week (38hrs)

$52,255

Per year

Full adult rate · Effective 1 July 2026

At 21, you're on the full adult minimum wage: $26.44 per hour, or $33.05/hr casual. No more junior rates — this is the legal floor for every adult worker in Australia.

The national minimum wage of $26.44/hr applies to all workers aged 21 and over who aren't covered by a Modern Award or enterprise agreement. Most workers are covered by an award, which often sets a higher base rate. If you're earning exactly $26.44/hr, it's worth checking whether your award pays more — a lot of workers are unknowingly underpaid.

Good to know: The minimum wage is reviewed every year by the Fair Work Commission, with any increase kicking in from 1 July. The current rate of $26.44/hr has been in effect since 1 July 2026, when the Annual Wage Review lifted it by 6%. Keep an eye out for the next Annual Wage Review — even a small increase adds up over the year.

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 adults in Australia?

The national minimum wage for adults (21+) is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, before tax. Casual workers receive an additional 25% loading, bringing the casual minimum to $33.05/hr. This rate has been in effect since 1 July 2026.

Is the minimum wage the same in every state?

Yes. The national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission and applies across all of Australia. There is no state-by-state variation for the federal minimum. However, your Modern Award or enterprise agreement may set a different (usually higher) minimum for your specific role and industry.

How much is the minimum wage per year in Australia?

On a standard 38-hour week, the adult minimum wage of $26.44/hr works out to $1,004.90/week, $2,009.80/fortnight, or $52,254.80/year before tax. After tax (with no HECS debt), take-home pay is approximately $44,950/year — use our Take Home Pay Calculator for your exact figure.

What if my award pays more than the minimum wage?

Most Modern Awards set base rates above the national minimum. For example, a Level 1 worker under the General Retail Industry Award earns $27.81/hr — above the $26.44 national minimum. Your employer must pay whichever is higher — the award rate or the national minimum. Use our Pay Rate Lookup tool to find your specific award rate.

Minimum wage by age

Age 16 — $12.51/hr Age 17 — $15.29/hr Age 18 — $18.06/hr Age 19 — $21.82/hr Age 20 — $25.84/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.