Minimum wage for a 16 year old in Australia: $12.51 per hour

Minimum wage for a 16 year old in Australia

When you see a job ad offering a rate for a 16-year-old, the first thing to know is the legal floor. Under the National Minimum Wage Order, the minimum wage for a 16 year old is $12.51 per hour. That’s 47.3% of the adult national minimum wage of $26.44. But this is just a starting point—many awards and agreements pay more.

How the salary index helps compare offers

The Salary Index measures gross yearly earnings against the national line of 100, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 per year from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). For a 16-year-old working full-time (38 hours a week) at $12.51/hr, the annual gross is about $24,730. Divide that by $108,352 and multiply by 100, and you get an index of roughly 23. That’s far below the national average, which makes sense for an entry-level junior role.

But here’s the catch: most 16-year-olds don’t work full-time. If you’re working 15 hours a week during school, your annual gross might be around $9,760, giving an index of about 9. The index helps you see where any offer sits relative to the broader economy, regardless of hours.

What to look for in a job ad

When reading a job ad, check whether the role is covered by a modern award. Awards often set higher junior rates. For example, the General Retail Industry Award might specify a different percentage for 16-year-olds. The national minimum wage order is the absolute minimum—if the ad doesn’t mention an award, ask. You can find award rates on pay guides or the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Also note the employment type: casual employees get a loading (usually 25%), so a casual 16-year-old would earn at least $15.64/hr ($12.51 + 25%). The reference shows a casual loading example of $33.05/hr for adults, but for juniors it’s the same principle.

State and industry context

Where you work matters. The states page shows that the national line varies by state: for example, NSW has an index of 101.2 ($109,658 annualised), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). A junior rate in Tasmania might go further in terms of local cost of living, but the hourly minimum is still set federally.

Industries also differ. The industries page shows retail trade at index 75.9 and accommodation and food services at 72.5—both below the national line. If you’re a 16-year-old in retail, the award rate might be higher than the national minimum wage order, but still well below the industry average because you’re junior.

Tax and super for a 16-year-old

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on all earnings. So if you earn $12.51/hr, your employer must also contribute $1.50/hr into super. That’s extra money for your future, not part of your take-home pay.

For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, plus a 2% Medicare levy. A full-time 16-year-old earning $24,730 would pay about $1,100 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $23,630 take-home. Part-time workers earning under $18,200 pay no tax.

Comparing offers using the index

Say you see two job ads: one at a café paying $14.00/hr casual, and another at a retail store paying $13.00/hr permanent part-time. To compare, annualise the hours. If the café offers 20 hours a week, annual gross = $14.00 × 20 × 52 = $14,560 (index 13.4). The retail job at 15 hours a week = $13.00 × 15 × 52 = $10,140 (index 9.4). The café pays more per hour and more overall, but also consider casual loading (already included in $14.00?) and award conditions.

Remember, the index is a benchmark, not a quote. For a 16-year-old, the national line of 100 is a distant target—most junior roles will be below 30. That’s normal. The key is to ensure you’re not being paid less than the legal minimum.

How the index works

To understand the method behind the numbers, see how the index works. It’s simply your annual gross ordinary-time earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. For a 16-year-old, that number will be low, but it’s useful for comparing different offers or seeing how a junior role stacks up against adult averages.

Final tips

• Always ask if the role is under an award. The national minimum wage for a 16 year old is $12.51/hr, but awards can pay more.
• Check the topics page for more on junior rates, casual loading, and super.
• If an ad doesn’t specify the rate for your age, request it in writing before you start.

The minimum wage for a 16 year old is a floor, not a ceiling. Use the index to see where an offer sits, and don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to.