482 visa minimum salary 2026: what the core skills threshold means for sponsored workers

What is the 482 visa minimum salary 2026?

The 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is the lowest annual gross pay a sponsored worker on a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa can be paid. It is set by the Australian Government through the core skills income threshold (CSIT), which from 2026 is $76,515 per year. For the specialist skills stream, the minimum is higher at $141,210 per year. These figures come from the Department of Home Affairs and are updated periodically to reflect labour market conditions.

To put that in perspective on the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026), the core skills threshold sits at index 70.6. That is well above the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($52,255 annualised) but below the all-industries average. The specialist skills threshold of $141,210 corresponds to index 130.4, above the national line.

How the 482 visa salary relates to awards and the national minimum wage

The 482 visa salary requirement is not simply a flat number. The visa rules require that the sponsored worker be paid at least the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation. The AMSR is determined by one of several methods, and modern awards play a key role.

If the nominated position is covered by a Fair Work instrument (such as a modern award), a state industrial instrument, or a transitional instrument, the AMSR must be at least the rate that would be paid to an equivalent Australian worker under that instrument. This means the 482 visa minimum salary 2026 can be higher than $76,515 if the applicable award sets a higher rate.

For example, a sponsored chef under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award might have an award rate above the core skills threshold. In that case, the sponsor must pay at least the award rate. The Migration Amendment (Annual Market Salary Rate) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/038) introduced flexibility: sponsors can now use alternative evidence (employment documents or relevant information) to determine the AMSR, provided the resulting amount is greater than the award rate. This ensures the salary reflects actual market conditions while still protecting the award floor.

Where no award or instrument applies, the AMSR is based on what an equivalent Australian worker would be paid, evidenced by employment documents or relevant information. In all cases, the AMSR must be at least the core skills income threshold ($76,515) for the standard stream, or $141,210 for the specialist skills stream.

Comparing the 482 visa minimum to other benchmarks

To understand where $76,515 sits, consider these benchmarks from the how the index works page:

• National minimum wage (2026): $26.44/hr, $1,004.90/week, annualised $52,255 – index 48.2
• Entry-level award floor: $25.74/hr (typical for some awards)
• Average weekly earnings (all employees): $2,083.70/week, $108,352/year – index 100
• Core skills income threshold: $76,515 – index 70.6
• Specialist skills threshold: $141,210 – index 130.4

So the 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is roughly 46% above the national minimum wage but about 29% below the national average. This reflects the policy intent: sponsored workers should be paid enough to avoid undercutting local labour, but not necessarily at the average.

State and industry context

The states page shows how average earnings vary across Australia. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 ($115,825 annualised), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). A 482 visa holder on $76,515 in WA would be earning well below the state average (index 66), whereas in Tasmania it would be closer to the average (index 79.7). Similarly, industries like mining (index 154.7) pay far more than retail (index 75.9). The 482 visa minimum is most relevant in lower-paying industries where the threshold may be closer to the award rate.

What the 2026 changes mean for sponsors

The legislative instrument LIN 26/038, registered in March 2026, amended the method for determining the AMSR. Previously, if a Fair Work instrument applied, the AMSR was automatically the instrument rate. Now sponsors have the option to use alternative evidence (employment documents or relevant information) to set a higher AMSR, as long as it is not less than the instrument rate. This gives flexibility to pay above the award when market rates justify it, without being locked into the award minimum.

For a 482 visa applicant, the key takeaway is that the minimum salary is not a single number. It is the higher of:

• the core skills income threshold ($76,515), or
• the applicable award or instrument rate, or
• the market rate for an equivalent Australian worker.

Tax and superannuation considerations

While the 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is a gross figure, it is worth noting that the superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and the maximum contribution base is $270,830. The sponsor must also meet super obligations. For a worker on $76,515, the super contribution would be $9,181.80 per year. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident rates, excluding Medicare) is nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, plus the 2% Medicare levy. A single resident on $76,515 would pay roughly $14,467 in tax and Medicare, leaving about $62,048 take-home.

Summary

The 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is $76,515 for the core skills stream and $141,210 for the specialist skills stream. These thresholds are just the starting point; award rates and market evidence can push the required salary higher. The pay guides on this site can help you compare specific award rates to the threshold. Always check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements and consult a registered migration agent for your specific situation.

For more context on how salaries compare across Australia, see the states and industries pages. To understand the index methodology, visit how the index works.