Minimum Wage Australia 2022
National minimum wage rates for 2022 — hourly, weekly, fortnightly and annual.
Last verified: 1 July 20252022 Minimum Wage
| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $21.38 |
| Weekly (38 hours) | $812.44 |
| Fortnightly | $1,624.88 |
| Annual (before tax) | $42,246.88 |
Year-on-Year Change
$20.33/hr
$21.38/hr
+$1.05/hr
+5.2%
Historical Minimum Wage — 2010 to 2022
| 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 | $18.93 | $719.34 | +$0.64 |
| 2019 | $19.49 | $740.62 | +$0.56 |
| 2020 | $19.84 | $753.92 | +$0.35 |
| 2021 | $20.33 | $772.54 | +$0.49 |
| 2022(this page) | $21.38 | $812.44 | +$1.05 |
Inflation Comparison — Did Wages Keep Up?
In 2022, the minimum wage increased by 5.2% while CPI inflation was approximately 6.6%.
Wages fell behind inflation by 1.4 percentage points, meaning minimum wage workers lost real purchasing power.
Purchasing Power
The 2022 minimum wage of $21.38/hr would need to be $25.53/hr today to have the same purchasing power (adjusted for ~19% cumulative inflation).
The current rate is $24.10/hr — wages have increased 13% nominally since 2022. In real terms, minimum wage workers have lost some purchasing power.
Browse by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
What was minimum wage in 2022?
The national minimum wage in 2022 was $21.38 per hour, or $812.44 per week for a 38-hour work week. This equates to $42,246.88 per year before tax.
How much has minimum wage increased since 2022?
The minimum wage has increased from $21.38/hr in 2022 to $24.10/hr in 2026 — an increase of $2.72/hr (13%). 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.