Minimum Salary in Australia: $52,255 a Year (Index 48.2)

What counts as a minimum salary in Australia

When people ask about the minimum salary in Australia, they are usually referring to the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 an hour, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week. Annualised, that comes to $52,255 before tax. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 a year, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2.

That figure is the legal floor for employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. In practice, most Australian employees are covered by an award that sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that awards cover many industries and occupations, and the minimum wage in an award can be significantly above the national minimum.

How the index works

The Salary Index compares any yearly gross salary to the national benchmark: full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. The benchmark comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Average Weekly Earnings survey. In May 2026, that figure was $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 annualised. To find a salary's index, divide the yearly gross divided by $108,352 and multiply by 100. The national minimum wage annualises to $52,255, so the calculation is $52,255 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 48.2. How the index works explains this in more detail.

Where the minimum salary sits on the index

Index 48.2 means the minimum salary is less than half the national average. For context, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that median weekly earnings for all employees was $1,436 per week in August 2025, or about $74,672 annualised. That gives an index of roughly 69. The national minimum is well below that median.

Award minimums and entry-level rates

Modern awards set minimum rates that are often higher than the national minimum. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages rose by 4.75%. Some awards have entry-level rates for new employees that may start at $25.74 per hour, which is still above the national minimum but below many other award classifications. The Fair Work Ombudsman notes that some award rates may be less than the national minimum for introductory periods, but those rates usually apply only for a limited time.

Junior rates and special minimum wages

Employees under 21 have a special national minimum wage set as a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 16-year-old gets $12.51 per hour, a 19-year-old gets $21.81 per hour. These rates are based on the National Minimum Wage Order. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the national minimum wage, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Apprentices and trainees have their own special minimum wages based on the Miscellaneous Award 2020.

State and territory comparisons

The national minimum wage applies across Australia, but average earnings vary by state. The states page shows how each state's average compares. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). The national minimum wage is the same everywhere, but its relative value differs. In Tasmania, the minimum wage is closer to the state average than in WA.

Industry context

Some industries have much higher average earnings than others. Mining has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9 and accommodation and food services is 72.5. The national minimum wage is often the starting point in low-paying industries, but many workers in those industries are covered by awards that set higher rates. The industries page provides benchmarks for each sector.

Tax and superannuation on the minimum salary

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. On a $52,255 salary, that means an employer must contribute $6,270.60 in super. Tax for a resident in 2026–27 is nil on the first $18,200, then 15% on the next $26,800, and 30% on the remaining $7,255. The estimated tax is about $5,800, plus a 2% Medicare levy of about $1,045. Take-home pay is roughly $44,000 per year. These figures ignore HELP repayments, the Medicare levy reduction, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Common questions about the minimum salary

Many people ask whether the minimum salary is enough to live on. The index of 48.2 shows it is well below the national average. The Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage each year, and the 2026 increase of 4.75% was intended to keep pace with living costs. For workers covered by awards, the minimum is often higher, but still below the national average in many industries.

How to find the right minimum pay rate

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate the correct minimum pay for any award. If you are not sure which award applies, the tool can help. Enterprise agreements may set different minimum rates, but they must be at least as high as the relevant award. The pay guides on this site summarise current award rates.

Bottom line

The minimum salary in Australia is $52,255 a year before tax, index 48.2. That is the legal floor for award-free employees. Most workers are entitled to more under an award or agreement. The index helps you see where any salary sits against the national line, whether you are earning the minimum or well above it.