Minimum Wage in Perth: What It Is and How It Compares

Minimum wage in Perth: the legal floor

When you search for "minimum wage perth", you are likely checking the legal minimum pay for a job in Western Australia's capital. The answer is straightforward: the national minimum wage applies across Australia, including Perth. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week or $52,255 per year (before tax and super). On the Salary Index, that figure sits at 48.2 – well below the national line of 100, which represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.

But a job ad offering exactly $26.44 an hour is rare in Perth. Most employers pay above the minimum, either because a modern award sets a higher rate or because the market demands it. Western Australia's state index is 106.9 (annualised $115,825), meaning the typical full-time worker in WA earns nearly 7% above the national average. So when you read a Perth job ad, you need to compare the offered pay against both the legal floor and the local benchmark.

How to read a job ad using the index

The Salary Index helps you see where a pay figure sits against the national line. For example:

• National minimum wage: $52,255/year → index 48.2
• WA average: $115,825/year → index 106.9
• A typical retail job (industry index 75.9): around $82,200/year
• A typical mining job (industry index 154.7): around $167,600/year

If a Perth job ad says "$35 per hour", that works out to about $72,800 per year (38 hours × 52 weeks). Divide by the national line ($108,352) and multiply by 100: index 67.2. That is above the minimum but below the WA average. You can use how the index works to do your own calculations.

Award rates and the minimum wage

The national minimum wage is a safety net. Most employees in Perth are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum pay for their industry and role. From 1 July 2026, award minima rose by 4.75%. The entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour – slightly below the national minimum, but most award classifications pay more. For example, a retail employee level 1 might earn around $27–$28 per hour, while a hospitality worker grade 1 could be $26–$27. Always check the relevant award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

If the job ad doesn't mention an award, ask the employer. Some roles are award-free, and the national minimum wage applies. Others may be covered by an enterprise agreement that can set different (but not lower) rates.

Casual, junior, and part-time rates

• Casual loading: The national minimum wage for casuals includes a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. Many awards have their own casual loadings.
• Junior rates: The national minimum wage has set percentages for age. For example, a 17-year-old in Perth earns at least $15.28 per hour (adult rate × 57.8%). But awards can set different junior rates, often higher.
• Part-time and casual: Pay is still based on the hourly rate, but hours may vary. Always confirm the hourly figure in the ad.

Super and tax: what you actually take home

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary-time earnings (from 1 July 2026). So if your salary is $52,255, the employer adds $6,270.60 to your super account. That money is not in your pocket now, but it's part of your total compensation.

For tax, a resident earning the minimum wage in 2026–27 pays:

• Nil on the first $18,200
• 15% on the next $26,800 (up to $45,000)
• 30% on the remaining $7,255 (up to $52,255)
• Plus 2% Medicare levy

Estimated take-home pay: about $44,500 per year or $856 per week. That's before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice.

Comparing offers in Perth

When you have two job offers, use the index to compare them fairly. For instance:

• Offer A: $60,000/year → index 55.4
• Offer B: $80,000/year → index 73.8

But also consider industry. A $60,000 job in retail (index 75.9) is below the industry average, while the same pay in accommodation and food services (index 72.5) is closer to typical. The industries page shows benchmarks for different sectors.

Also factor in location. Perth's cost of living is higher than some other capitals, but the WA index (106.9) suggests wages generally compensate. If you are moving from Tasmania (index 88.6), a Perth job at the same index might feel like a pay rise.

Common pitfalls when reading ads

• Annual salary vs hourly rate: Some ads quote an annual figure but expect unpaid overtime. Always ask for the hourly rate and guaranteed hours.
• Including super in the salary: By law, advertised salaries should not include super. If an ad says "$60,000 + super", the total package is $67,200 with 12% super. If it says "$60,000 package", clarify whether super is included.
• Bonus and commission: These are not guaranteed. Base your comparison on the base salary.
• Award classification: Make sure the job title matches the correct award level. A "hospitality worker" might be grade 1, 2, or 3 with different pay rates.

Where to get more help

• Salary Index – compare any pay figure to the national line.
• Pay guides – read about award rates and how to find yours.
• States – see how each state's average earnings compare.
• Topics – explore specific pay questions like casual loading or junior rates.

Remember, the minimum wage in Perth is just the starting point. Most jobs pay more, and the index helps you see exactly where an offer stands. Always check the award, ask about super, and calculate your likely take-home pay before accepting.