Minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia: $9.73 per hour from July 2026

What is the minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia?

The minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia is $9.73 per hour from 1 July 2026. This rate comes from the National Minimum Wage Order, which sets junior percentages for employees under 21. For a 15-year-old (under 16), the percentage is 36.8% of the adult national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

This rate applies to employees in the national workplace relations system, which covers most private sector workers in Australia. It is the legal floor – you cannot be paid less than this unless a modern award or registered agreement allows a different junior rate.

How the salary index relates to a 15-year-old's pay

The Salary Index measures gross annual earnings against the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For a 15-year-old working full-time hours (38 hours per week, 52 weeks), the annualised pay would be about $19,226, giving an index of roughly 17.7. That is well below the adult national minimum wage index of 48.2. In practice, most 15-year-olds work part-time, so their actual index is even lower.

State differences

While the national minimum wage sets the floor, average earnings vary by state. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9, meaning typical full-time adult earnings are higher than the national average. But the minimum wage for a 15-year-old in WA is still $9.73 per hour under the national system. However, some states have their own industrial relations systems for certain employers – for instance, state government employees or unincorporated businesses in WA may be covered by state awards. Those awards might set different junior rates. Check the states page for more on local conditions.

Industry differences

Modern awards often have their own junior wage scales. For example, the General Retail Industry Award and the Hospitality Industry (General) Award set junior percentages that may differ from the national minimum wage order. In retail, a 15-year-old might be paid a percentage of the adult award rate, which could be higher than $9.73. In accommodation and food services (index 72.5), award rates are generally lower than the national average, but junior rates still apply. Always check the relevant award using the pay guides or the Fair Work Ombudsman's website.

Superannuation and tax

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% on top of wages if the 15-year-old works more than 30 hours per week. If they work fewer hours, super is not required. Income tax is generally nil for earnings under $18,200, and the Medicare levy (2%) only applies if income exceeds the low-income threshold. Most 15-year-olds earning minimum wage part-time will pay no tax.

How the junior rate is calculated

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. For juniors, they apply percentages based on age. The percentages for under 16 are derived from the adult rate. The current order uses 36.8% for under 16, resulting in $9.73 per hour. This is not a fixed percentage forever – it can change with each annual wage review. For older juniors, the rates are higher: 16 years $12.51, 17 years $15.28, 18 years $18.06, 19 years $21.81, 20 years $25.83.

What if the job is under a modern award?

If a 15-year-old works in an industry covered by a modern award, the award's junior rates apply. These can be different from the national minimum wage order. For example, some awards set junior rates as a percentage of the award's adult rate, which may be higher than the national minimum. Others may use the national order rates. Use the how the index works page to understand how award rates compare to the national line.

Practical example

Imagine a 15-year-old working 10 hours per week at a café covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award. The award's junior rate for a 15-year-old might be, say, 50% of the adult level 1 rate. That could be higher than $9.73. If the award rate is $15 per hour, the employer must pay that. If the award doesn't specify a junior rate, the national minimum wage order rate of $9.73 applies. Always check the specific award.

Summary

The minimum wage for a 15-year-old in Australia is $9.73 per hour from July 2026, but actual pay depends on award coverage, hours, and state system. The salary index for a full-time 15-year-old would be around 17.7, far below the national average. For more on how pay compares across industries and states, see the industries and topics pages.