Minimum wage Australia 18 year old: $18.06 per hour in 2026–27

What is the minimum wage for an 18-year-old in Australia?

If you’re 18 and starting work, the minimum wage you can legally be paid is $18.06 per hour under the national minimum wage order. That figure comes from the adult national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, multiplied by the junior percentage set by the Fair Work Commission. For an 18-year-old, that percentage works out to about 68.3% of the adult rate.

This rate applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. In practice, many 18-year-olds work in industries like retail, hospitality, or fast food, where awards set higher junior rates. For example, the General Retail Industry Award 2020 might pay an 18-year-old more than the national minimum, depending on the classification and whether they’re casual or permanent.

Gross pay and the Salary Index

To put $18.06 per hour in perspective, let’s annualise it. If you work 38 ordinary hours a week for 52 weeks, your gross yearly pay would be about $35,700. The Salary Index measures gross earnings against the national line of 100, which is based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year. An 18-year-old on the junior minimum wage would sit at an index of roughly 33. That means their gross pay is about one-third of the average adult full-time earnings.

Compare that to the national minimum wage for adults ($26.44/hr, index 48.2) or the average for retail trade (index 75.9). It’s a reminder that junior rates are designed to reflect lower experience and productivity, but they can still be a decent starting point for young workers.

Superannuation on top

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary-time earnings. That means your employer must pay an extra $2.17 per hour into your super fund, on top of your $18.06 wage. So the total cost to your employer is about $20.23 per hour, but your take-home pay is still based on the $18.06 rate.

Super is not deducted from your wages; it’s an additional contribution. For a full year, that would add about $4,284 to your super balance. Over time, even small contributions can grow significantly thanks to compound interest. It’s worth checking that your employer is paying the correct super, especially if you work part-time or casually.

Tax on an 18-year-old’s minimum wage

Resident tax rates for 2026–27 start with a tax-free threshold of $18,200. On a gross income of $35,700, you’d pay:

• $0 on the first $18,200
• 15% on the next $17,500 = $2,625
• Plus Medicare levy of 2% on your total income = $714

Total tax and Medicare: about $3,339. That leaves a take-home pay of roughly $32,361 per year, or about $622 per week. This estimate assumes you’re a resident for tax purposes, you claim the tax-free threshold, and you have no other income or deductions. It ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.

If you work casually, your employer might withhold tax at a higher rate because casual hours can vary. You can check your withholding using the ATO’s tax calculator or talk to your payroll officer.

Awards and state differences

Many 18-year-olds are covered by a modern award. Awards set minimum pay rates that are often higher than the national minimum wage. For example, the Hospitality Industry General Award might pay an 18-year-old food and beverage attendant a higher hourly rate than $18.06, especially if they work evenings or weekends when penalty rates apply.

State minimum wages can also matter. In Western Australia, the state system sets its own minimum wage for some employers, which may be different from the national rate. Check the states page for a breakdown of how each state compares to the national line.

Casual loading and other entitlements

If you’re a casual employee, you’re entitled to a casual loading of at least 25% on top of the base rate. For an 18-year-old on the national minimum wage, that would bring your hourly rate to $22.58. Casual loading is meant to compensate for not receiving paid leave like annual leave or sick leave.

Other entitlements like overtime, penalty rates, and allowances are set by your award or agreement. Always read your pay slip to make sure you’re being paid correctly. The Fair Work Ombudsman has free resources and a pay calculator to check your rates.

Where to find more help

If you’re unsure about your minimum wage, start by checking the pay guides on Salary Index. You can also look up your award on the Fair Work website. For a broader view of how different industries and states compare, visit the industries page. And if you want to understand how the Salary Index works, see how the index works.

Remember, the junior minimum wage is a floor, not a ceiling. Many 18-year-olds earn more, especially if they have skills, experience, or work in high-paying industries like mining or professional services. But even on the minimum, knowing your gross pay, super, and tax helps you plan your finances and understand your worth.