Complete breakdown of the 2022 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 2022 was $21.38/hour, $812.44/week, or $42,246.88/year (before tax, based on a 38-hour work week).
Hourly
$21.38
Weekly (38 hrs)
$812.44
Annual
$42,246.88
$20.33/hr
$21.38/hr
+$1.05/hr (+$2,074.80/yr)
+5.2%
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.
The 2010 rate of $15.00/hr would need to be $19.26/hr in 2022 to have the same purchasing power. The actual rate exceeded this, meaning real wages have grown since 2010.
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $42,246.88 | $3,520.57 | $812.44 |
| Tax + Medicare levy (est.) | -$4,451.97 | -$371.00 | -$85.61 |
| Take-home pay | $37,794.91 | $3,149.58 | $726.83 |
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 2022 minimum wage, your weekly take-home pay was approximately $726.83. 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 | $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(this page) | $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 2022 was $21.38 per hour, $812.44 per week (based on a 38-hour week), and $42,246.88 per year before tax.
On the 2022 minimum wage of $42,246.88/year, the estimated after-tax take-home pay was approximately $37,794.91 per year, or $726.83 per week. This includes income tax and Medicare levy but excludes HECS repayments.
No. The minimum wage increased by 5.2% in 2022 but CPI inflation was approximately 6.6%. Wages fell behind inflation by 1.4 percentage points.
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 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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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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