National minimum wage rates for 2018 — hourly, weekly, fortnightly and annual.
Last verified: 21 May 2026| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $18.93 |
| Weekly (38 hours) | $719.34 |
| Fortnightly | $1,438.68 |
| Annual (before tax) | $37,405.68 |
$18.29/hr
$18.93/hr
+$0.64/hr
+3.5%
| 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 | $17.70 | $672.60 | +$0.41 |
| 2017 | $18.29 | $695.02 | +$0.59 |
| 2018(this page) | $18.93 | $719.34 | +$0.64 |
In 2018, the minimum wage increased by 3.5% while CPI inflation was approximately 1.8%.
Wages outpaced inflation by 1.7 percentage points, meaning minimum wage workers gained real purchasing power.
The 2018 minimum wage of $18.93/hr would need to be $24.42/hr today to have the same purchasing power (adjusted for ~29% cumulative inflation).
The current rate is $24.10/hr — wages have increased 27% nominally since 2018. In real terms, minimum wage workers have lost some purchasing power.
The national minimum wage in 2018 was $18.93 per hour, or $719.34 per week for a 38-hour work week. This equates to $37,405.68 per year before tax.
The minimum wage has increased from $18.93/hr in 2018 to $24.10/hr in 2026 — an increase of $5.17/hr (27%). This reflects the cumulative effect of annual Fair Work Commission wage reviews.
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.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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.
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