Minimum Wage Australia 2010
Complete breakdown of the 2010 Australian national minimum wage — hourly, weekly, and annual rates plus after-tax take-home pay.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
The Australian national minimum wage in 2010 was $15.00/hour, $570.00/week, or $29,640.00/year (before tax, based on a 38-hour work week).
2010 Minimum Wage Rates
Hourly
$15.00
Weekly (38 hrs)
$570.00
Annual
$29,640.00
Inflation Context — Did Wages Keep Up?
In 2010, the minimum wage did not change while CPI inflation was approximately 2.8%.
With no wage increase and 2.8% inflation, minimum wage workers lost purchasing power in real terms.
After-Tax Take-Home Pay on Minimum Wage (2010)
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $29,640.00 | $2,470.00 | $570.00 |
| Tax + Medicare levy (est.) | -$2,423.20 | -$201.93 | -$46.60 |
| Take-home pay | $27,216.80 | $2,268.07 | $523.40 |
Estimates based on standard tax brackets. Excludes HECS/HELP repayments, tax offsets, and other individual circumstances. Use our Take Home Pay Calculator for a precise calculation.
What Could You Afford on Minimum Wage in 2010?
- •A typical weekly grocery shop for one person cost around $80-100
- •Average petrol was around $1.20/litre
- •Median rent in Sydney was about $400/week for a unit
- •A basic smartphone cost $300-500 outright
On the 2010 minimum wage, your weekly take-home pay was approximately $523.40. After rent in a capital city, minimum wage workers often had limited disposable income for other expenses.
Australian Minimum Wage History — 2010 to 2026
| Year | Hourly | Weekly | Annual | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010(this page) | $15.00 | $570.00 | $29,640.00 | — |
| 2011 | $15.51 | $589.38 | $30,647.76 | +3.4% |
| 2012 | $15.96 | $606.48 | $31,536.96 | +2.9% |
| 2013 | $16.37 | $622.06 | $32,347.12 | +2.6% |
| 2014 | $16.87 | $641.06 | $33,335.12 | +3.1% |
| 2015 | $17.29 | $657.02 | $34,165.04 | +2.5% |
| 2016 | $17.70 | $672.60 | $34,975.20 | +2.4% |
| 2017 | $18.29 | $695.02 | $36,141.04 | +3.3% |
| 2018 | $18.93 | $719.34 | $37,405.68 | +3.5% |
| 2019 | $19.49 | $740.62 | $38,512.24 | +3% |
| 2020 | $19.84 | $753.92 | $39,203.84 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $20.33 | $772.54 | $40,172.08 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $21.38 | $812.44 | $42,246.88 | +5.2% |
| 2023 | $23.23 | $882.74 | $45,902.48 | +8.7% |
| 2024 | $24.10 | $915.80 | $47,621.60 | +3.7% |
| 2025 | $24.10 | $915.80 | $47,621.60 | 0% |
| 2026 | $24.10 | $915.80 | $47,621.60 | 0% |
Browse by Year
Related Tools
Check your current pay against the minimum wage, calculate take-home pay, or see if you are owed back pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the minimum wage in Australia in 2010?
The national minimum wage in 2010 was $15.00 per hour, $570.00 per week (based on a 38-hour week), and $29,640.00 per year before tax.
How much did minimum wage workers take home after tax in 2010?
On the 2010 minimum wage of $29,640.00/year, the estimated after-tax take-home pay was approximately $27,216.80 per year, or $523.40 per week. This includes income tax and Medicare levy but excludes HECS repayments.
Did minimum wage keep up with inflation in 2010?
No. There was no change to the minimum wage in 2010 while CPI inflation was approximately 2.8%, meaning minimum wage workers lost purchasing power.
How much has minimum wage increased since 2010?
The minimum wage has increased from $15.00/hr in 2010 to $24.10/hr in 2026 — an increase of $9.10/hr (61%). This reflects cumulative Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review decisions.
When does the Australian minimum wage change?
The Fair Work Commission conducts an Annual Wage Review each year. The new minimum wage rate typically takes effect from 1 July. The decision is usually announced in June after considering economic conditions, cost of living, and the needs of the low-paid.
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.