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Minimum wage for casual workers in Australia: rates, super and tax
Find the minimum wage for casual workers in Australia, including casual loading, superannuation, and tax. See how it compares to the national average.
The casual minimum wage hourly rate is $33.05 (including 25% loading), but its position on the Salary Index is uncertain because casual hours vary.
Minimum wage casual Australia: what you need to know
When people search for "minimum wage casual australia", they want to know the base pay rate for casual employees under the national minimum wage or modern awards. Casual workers get a loading on top of the minimum hourly rate to compensate for not receiving paid leave. This guide explains the rates, how super and tax apply, and where casual minimum pay sits on the Salary Index.
National minimum wage for casuals
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement. Casual workers are entitled to a 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour. This loading is set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and is designed to cover the lack of paid sick leave and annual leave.
If a casual works full-time hours (38 per week), the annual gross pay would be about $65,300. That puts the index at roughly 60, compared to the national line of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352). However, because casual hours can vary, the index for a casual minimum wage worker is uncertain. The official index for the non-casual national minimum wage is 48.2.
Junior rates for casuals
Junior employees (under 21) get a percentage of the adult minimum wage. The national minimum wage order sets these percentages, but modern awards may have different rates. For casual juniors, the loading applies on top of the junior rate. For example, a 19-year-old casual gets $21.81 per hour (the adult minimum multiplied by the junior percentage) plus 25% loading, making $27.26 per hour. Always check your award for the correct rate.
Superannuation on casual minimum wage
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. Casuals are entitled to super on their gross pay, including the casual loading. For a casual earning $33.05 per hour for 38 hours a week, the annual super contribution would be about $7,836 (12% of $65,300). The maximum super contribution base is $270,830, so most casuals will have super paid on all their earnings.
Tax on casual minimum wage
Casual minimum wage is taxed under the same resident tax brackets as other employees. For 2026–27, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. A casual earning $33.05 per hour for 20 hours a week (annual $34,372) would pay no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% on the next $16,172, plus 2% Medicare levy. The actual take-home pay depends on hours worked and whether you claim the tax-free threshold.
How casual minimum wage compares across states
The Salary Index shows state benchmarks. For example, NSW has an index of 101.2, while Tasmania is 88.6. A casual earning the minimum wage in Tasmania would be closer to the state average than one in the ACT (index 109.9). But remember, the index is for full-time ordinary-time earnings, not casual rates.
Award rates vs national minimum wage
Many casual workers are covered by modern awards, which often pay more than the national minimum wage. For example, the Retail Award has higher minimum rates for casuals. Always check your award or enterprise agreement. The pay guides can help you find the correct rate for your industry.
Example: casual minimum wage take-home pay
Consider a 25-year-old casual working 30 hours per week at the national minimum casual rate of $33.05 per hour. Gross weekly pay: $991.50. Annual gross: $51,558. Super (12%): $6,187. Tax (resident, claiming tax-free threshold): approximately $7,000 (including 2% Medicare levy). Take-home pay: about $44,558 per year or $857 per week. This is a rough estimate; actual tax depends on other income and deductions.
Key points to remember
- The national minimum casual rate is $33.05 per hour (adult).
- Junior rates are lower, with loading on top.
- Super is 12% from July 2026.
- Tax brackets are the same for all employees.
- The index for casual minimum wage is uncertain because hours vary.
- Modern awards may set higher rates.
For more details on how the index works, see how the index works. For industry-specific rates, visit industries.
Questions people ask
What is the casual loading on the minimum wage in Australia?
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour. Some awards may have different loadings, so check your award or agreement.
Do casual workers get superannuation on the minimum wage?
Yes. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. Casual employees are entitled to super on their gross pay, including the casual loading. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year.
How is the minimum wage for casual workers taxed?
Casual minimum wage is taxed under the same resident tax brackets as other employees. For 2026–27, tax is nil up to $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. A 2% Medicare levy applies. No tax-free threshold for non-residents.