# Australia's National Minimum Wage 2026
> Source: https://shakalakaa.com/au/resources/national-minimum-wage · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Market: AU
Resource · Wage Lookup · Australia

# Australia's National Minimum Wage 2026

The 2026 National Minimum Wage, who it covers, how award rates changed, and how to check the rate that applies, from Fair Work sources.    Last updated October 2026 Quick answer

From 1 July 2026, Australia's National Minimum Wage is $26.44 an hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week, set by the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review 2026. It covers award- and agreement-free employees; modern award rates rose 4.75%. Most changes start from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Compiled by shakalakaa.

## What is the National Minimum Wage in Australia in 2026?

The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 an hour, or $1,004.90 a week based on 38 ordinary hours, from 1 July 2026. The Fair Work Commission states the rate on its [national minimum wage page↗ (opens in a new tab)](https://www.fwc.gov.au/work-conditions/minimum-wages-and-conditions/national-minimum-wage), and the Fair Work Ombudsman's [minimum wages page↗ (opens in a new tab)](https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/minimum-wages) gives the same figures.

| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $26.44 |
| Weekly rate (38 ordinary hours) | $1,004.90 |
| Takes effect | 1 July 2026 |
| Set by | Annual Wage Review 2026 decision [2026] FWCFB 3500, announced 2 June 2026 |
| Casual loading (award/agreement-free casuals) | 25% on top of the National Minimum Wage |

**Last updated:** October 2026 · **Last checked:** 19 October 2026.

## Who does the National Minimum Wage apply to?

The National Minimum Wage is the base rate for adult employees in the national system who are not covered by an award or a registered agreement. For most employees, the minimum wage is set by the award for their industry or occupation instead, and award rates can be higher.

The Commission also sets special national minimum wages, which are calculated from the main rate. They cover junior employees under 21, apprentices, trainees, and employees with a disability that affects their productivity. Full details are in the National Minimum Wage Order 2026.

## How much did award wages rise in 2026?

Modern award wage rates rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, according to the Commission's [Annual Wage Review 2026 announcement↗ (opens in a new tab)](https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/sites/wage-reviews/2026/annual-wage-review-2026-decision-announcement.pdf). The Commission also made a structural adjustment to the two lowest award classifications, C13 and C14.

After that adjustment, the lowest award rate for ongoing employment is $1,004.90 a week, or $26.44 an hour, the same as the National Minimum Wage. The lowest rate for entry-level employment, for no more than six months, is $978.10 a week, or $25.74 an hour.

## How do I check the right minimum wage for an employee?

Use these steps for each employee, with the Fair Work Ombudsman's tools as the source of truth:

1. Find out whether a modern award covers the employee's industry or occupation. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool and pay guides show award rates by classification.
2. If an enterprise agreement or other registered agreement applies, check the pay rates in that agreement. Agreements are published on the Fair Work Commission's website.
3. If no award or agreement applies, use the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 an hour or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week.
4. For an award/agreement-free casual employee, add the 25% casual loading.
5. For juniors, apprentices, trainees and employees with a disability, use the special national minimum wages in the National Minimum Wage Order 2026.
6. Apply new rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.
7. Check again after each year's Annual Wage Review decision.

All of these figures are gross pay, before tax. Award rates also carry penalty rates and allowances that the National Minimum Wage alone doesn't show.

## When does Australia's minimum wage change each year?

The Fair Work Commission reviews the National Minimum Wage and award rates each financial year in its Annual Wage Review. For 2026, the Commission published the decision on its [Annual Wage Review 2026 page↗ (opens in a new tab)](https://www.fwc.gov.au/hearings-decisions/major-cases/annual-wage-reviews/annual-wage-review-2026) on 2 June 2026, and the National Minimum Wage Order 2026 came into operation on 1 July 2026.

The Fair Work Ombudsman says most changes begin on the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Payroll teams should plan the update before that pay run.

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## Frequently Asked Questions.

### Is the National Minimum Wage $26.44 for casual workers?

No. For casual employees who aren't covered by an award or agreement, the Fair Work Commission adds a 25% casual loading on top of the National Minimum Wage.

### Is the National Minimum Wage the same as an award wage?

Not always. The National Minimum Wage applies to employees who aren't covered by an award or registered agreement. Award and agreement rates, with their penalty rates and allowances, may be higher.

### When was the 2026 minimum wage decided?

The Fair Work Commission announced the Annual Wage Review 2026 decision on 2 June 2026. The new rate took effect from 1 July 2026.

### What is the lowest award rate in 2026?

After the 2026 structural adjustment, the lowest award rate for ongoing employment is $1,004.90 a week ($26.44 an hour). The lowest entry-level rate, for up to six months, is $978.10 a week ($25.74 an hour).