Complete breakdown of the 2018 Australian national minimum wage — hourly, weekly, and annual rates plus after-tax take-home pay.
Last verified: 21 May 2026The Australian national minimum wage in 2018 was $18.93/hour, $719.34/week, or $37,405.68/year (before tax, based on a 38-hour work week).
Hourly
$18.93
Weekly (38 hrs)
$719.34
Annual
$37,405.68
$18.29/hr
$18.93/hr
+$0.64/hr (+$1,264.64/yr)
+3.5%
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 2010 rate of $15.00/hr would need to be $17.83/hr in 2018 to have the same purchasing power. The actual rate exceeded this, meaning real wages have grown since 2010.
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $37,405.68 | $3,117.14 | $719.34 |
| Tax + Medicare levy (est.) | -$3,821.02 | -$318.42 | -$73.48 |
| Take-home pay | $33,584.66 | $2,798.72 | $645.86 |
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.
On the 2018 minimum wage, your weekly take-home pay was approximately $645.86. After rent in a capital city, minimum wage workers often had limited disposable income for other expenses.
| Year | Hourly | Weekly | Annual | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $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(this page) | $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% |
Check your current pay against the minimum wage, calculate take-home pay, or see if you are owed back pay.
The national minimum wage in 2018 was $18.93 per hour, $719.34 per week (based on a 38-hour week), and $37,405.68 per year before tax.
On the 2018 minimum wage of $37,405.68/year, the estimated after-tax take-home pay was approximately $33,584.66 per year, or $645.86 per week. This includes income tax and Medicare levy but excludes HECS repayments.
Yes. The minimum wage increased by 3.5% in 2018 while CPI inflation was approximately 1.8%. Wages outpaced inflation by 1.7 percentage points.
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 cumulative Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review decisions.
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.
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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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