Minimum Wage Australia 2016
National minimum wage rates for 2016 — hourly, weekly, fortnightly and annual.
Last verified: 1 July 20252016 Minimum Wage
| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $17.70 |
| Weekly (38 hours) | $672.60 |
| Fortnightly | $1,345.20 |
| Annual (before tax) | $34,975.20 |
Year-on-Year Change
$17.29/hr
$17.70/hr
+$0.41/hr
+2.4%
Historical Minimum Wage — 2010 to 2016
| Year | Hourly | Weekly | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $15.00 | $570.00 | — |
| 2011 | $15.51 | $589.38 | +$0.51 |
| 2012 | $15.96 | $606.48 | +$0.45 |
| 2013 | $16.37 | $622.06 | +$0.41 |
| 2014 | $16.87 | $641.06 | +$0.50 |
| 2015 | $17.29 | $657.02 | +$0.42 |
| 2016(this page) | $17.70 | $672.60 | +$0.41 |
Inflation Comparison — Did Wages Keep Up?
In 2016, the minimum wage increased by 2.4% while CPI inflation was approximately 1.3%.
Wages outpaced inflation by 1.1 percentage points, meaning minimum wage workers gained real purchasing power.
Purchasing Power
The 2016 minimum wage of $17.70/hr would need to be $23.57/hr today to have the same purchasing power (adjusted for ~33% cumulative inflation).
The current rate is $24.10/hr — wages have increased 36% nominally since 2016. In real terms, minimum wage workers are slightly better off.
Browse by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
What was minimum wage in 2016?
The national minimum wage in 2016 was $17.70 per hour, or $672.60 per week for a 38-hour work week. This equates to $34,975.20 per year before tax.
How much has minimum wage increased since 2016?
The minimum wage has increased from $17.70/hr in 2016 to $24.10/hr in 2026 — an increase of $6.40/hr (36%). This reflects the cumulative effect of annual Fair Work Commission wage reviews.
When does minimum wage go up?
The Fair Work Commission conducts an Annual Wage Review each year, with the new rate typically taking effect from 1 July. The review considers economic conditions, cost of living, and the needs of the low-paid. The decision is usually announced in June.
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.