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Minimum wage for a 19-year-old in Australia: where it sits on the salary index
The minimum wage for a 19-year-old in Australia is $21.81 per hour under the national minimum wage order. See how this compares to the national salary index of 100.
The national minimum wage for a 19-year-old is $21.81 per hour, which annualises to about $43,100 and places the salary index at approximately 40, well below the national line of 100.
Minimum wage for a 19-year-old in Australia
The minimum wage for a 19-year-old in Australia is $21.81 per hour under the national minimum wage order. This figure comes from the Fair Work Ombudsman sets the national minimum wage for juniors. The adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, which gives an index of 48.2 on the Salary Index. For a 19-year-old, the junior rate is about 82.5% of the adult rate, so the annualised to about $21.81 × 38 hours per week × 52 weeks = $43,096. That gives a salary index of about 40, well below the national line of 100.
How the salary index works
The Salary Index uses the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Your yearly gross pay divided by that number times 100 gives your index. For a 19-year-old on the national minimum, the index is about 40, meaning you earn about 40% of the average full-time adult earnings. Compare to the adult national minimum wage index 48.2. The junior rate is lower because the national minimum is lower.
Where the pay sits on the salary index
The minimum wage for a 19-year-old is $21.81 per hour. That is a clear below the national line. If you work under a modern award, you may get a different junior rate. For example, the Retail Award or the Hospitality Award often have their own junior percentages. Always check the pay guides to see the correct rate for your job.
Tax and super and take-home pay
Your pay before tax and super. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so your employer must pay super on top of your wage. Your take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy is about $36,500–$37,000 per year. That is a resident estimate with the tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy. It ignores HELP, salary sacrifice, or Medicare levy surcharge.
States and industries
Your state also affects the average earnings. For example, the salary index for New South Wales is 101.2, Victoria 98, Queensland 97.9, Western Australia 106.9, Tasmania 88.6, and ACT 109.9. The national minimum wage is the same across Australia, but the average earnings differ. Industries like Mining index 154.7, Retail trade 75.9, Accommodation and food services 72.5. A 19-year-old in retail or hospitality will likely earn near the minimum wage, so their index is low.
Important caveats
The national minimum wage for a 19-year-old is $21.81 per hour. But many employees earn more under awards or enterprise agreements. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each industry. Always check the correct classification. The junior rate may be higher if the award sets a different percentage. Also, if you are an apprentice or trainee, different rates apply.
How to use the salary index
To find where your pay sits, calculate your annual gross pay (hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks). Divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For a 19-year-old on the national minimum, that is about 40. That tells you you are far below the national line. As you gain experience and move to higher classifications, your index will rise.
Summary
The minimum wage for a 19-year-old in Australia is $21.81 per hour. This gives a salary index of about 40, well below the national line of 100. Always check the relevant award for your job, as junior rates can differ. Use the Salary Index, states, and industries to compare your pay to the national average.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum wage for a 19-year-old in Australia?
Under the national minimum wage order, a 19-year-old must be paid at least $21.81 per hour. This is about 82.5% of the adult national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. However, if a modern award covers the job, the award may set a higher junior rate, so always check the relevant award.
How does the minimum wage for a 19-year-old compare to the average Australian salary?
The national minimum wage for a 19-year-old annualises to roughly $43,100, which gives a salary index of about 40 on the Salary Index scale where 100 is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. That is well below the national line, reflecting that minimum wage jobs are entry-level or part-time.
Does a 19-year-old get the same minimum wage as an adult?
No. The national minimum wage order sets lower rates for juniors. At 19, the rate is $21.81 per hour, while the adult rate (21 and over) is $26.44 per hour. Some awards use different percentages, so always check the applicable award.