Minimum Wage QLD: What You Need to Know in 2026

What Does "Minimum Wage QLD" Mean?

When you search for "minimum wage qld", you are asking about the lowest legal pay rate that applies to employees in Queensland. Because Australia has a national minimum wage, the rate is the same across all states and territories. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year, and from 1 July 2026 it is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year (before tax). This is the floor for employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement.

Queensland itself does not set its own minimum wage. However, the state's average earnings differ from the national average. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Queensland's full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $106,064 per year, which gives a Salary Index of 97.9 (where 100 is the national line). That means the typical Queensland worker earns about 2.1% less than the national average. In contrast, the national minimum wage sits at an index of 48.2 – less than half of the state average.

How the Minimum Wage Applies in Queensland

Employers in Queensland must pay at least the national minimum wage unless a modern award or enterprise agreement sets a higher rate. Most industries have awards that specify minimum pay rates for different classifications. For example, the Retail Award and Hospitality Award both have rates above the national minimum. The entry-level award floor from 1 July 2026 is $25.74 per hour, which is only 70 cents below the national minimum wage. After the 4.75% increase to award minima, many award rates now sit close to the national minimum.

Casual employees in Queensland receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum wage, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements.

State and Industry Differences

While the minimum wage is uniform, the average pay in Queensland varies by industry. For instance, mining in Queensland has an index of 154.7 – far above the national line – while retail trade sits at 75.9 and accommodation and food services at 72.5. A worker on the minimum wage in a low-paying industry like hospitality will earn significantly less than the state average. Conversely, someone on the minimum wage in a high-paying industry like mining would be an outlier.

Queensland's overall index of 97.9 reflects a mix of industries. The state has a large mining and resources sector, which pulls average earnings up, but also a substantial tourism and hospitality workforce that keeps the average from reaching the national line.

Junior and Apprentice Rates

Junior employees (under 21) in Queensland are paid a percentage of the adult national minimum wage. The rates from 1 July 2026 are:

• Under 16: $9.73/hr
• 16 years: $12.51/hr
• 17 years: $15.28/hr
• 18 years: $18.06/hr
• 19 years: $21.81/hr
• 20 years: $25.83/hr

These percentages come from the National Minimum Wage Order, but a modern award can set different junior rates. Apprentices and trainees also have their own minimum wage scales under awards or training agreements.

Superannuation and Tax

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Employers must pay this on top of the minimum wage. For a full-time minimum wage worker earning $52,255, the super contribution would be $6,270.60 per year.

Income tax for 2026–27 (resident rates, excluding Medicare) is:

• Nil on first $18,200
• 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
• 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
• 37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
• 45% on income above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A minimum wage earner in Queensland would pay approximately $5,967 in tax and $1,045 in Medicare levy (based on $52,255 annual income), leaving a take-home pay of about $45,243 per year.

How the Salary Index Helps

The Salary Index compares any pay figure to the national line of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year). For example, the national minimum wage has an index of 48.2, meaning it is less than half the national average. You can use the index to see where a salary sits relative to the Australian benchmark. For state comparisons, see our states page.

Key Takeaways

• The minimum wage in Queensland is the national rate: $26.44/hr from 1 July 2026.
• Queensland's average earnings are slightly below the national average (index 97.9).
• Industry matters: workers in retail or hospitality are more likely to earn near the minimum, while those in mining earn far more.
• Junior rates, casual loadings, and award rates can change the actual pay.

Always check the relevant modern award or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation. The figures here are benchmarks, not personalised advice.