Minimum wage South Australia: what you earn and how it compares

Minimum wage South Australia: the national minimum wage applies

The minimum wage in South Australia is the same as the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year. This applies to all employees in South Australia who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that pays more.

How the minimum wage compares to South Australia's average earnings

The Salary Index measures full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, with 100 as the national line. South Australia's index is 94.6, meaning the average full-time worker in SA earns about $102,450 per year – slightly below the national average of $108,352. In contrast, the minimum wage sits at an index of 48.2, well below the state average. This shows that most workers in SA earn more than the minimum, but the floor is still important for many.

Gross pay, super, and tax on minimum wage in South Australia

If you work full-time on the minimum wage in SA, your gross weekly pay is $1,004.90. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top, which is $120.59 per week, totalling $6,270.60 per year. This super is paid into your nominated fund and is not part of your take-home pay.

For the 2026–27 financial year, your income tax on $52,255 is estimated as follows:

• Tax-free threshold: $0 on first $18,200
• 15% on $18,201 to $45,000: $4,020
• 30% on $45,001 to $52,255: $2,176.50
• Total tax: $6,196.50 (before offsets)
• Plus Medicare levy 2%: $1,045.10
• Total deductions: $7,241.60
• Estimated take-home pay: $45,013.40 per year, or about $865.64 per week.

Note: This estimate ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge. Your actual tax may vary.

Junior minimum wage rates in South Australia

Junior employees in SA are paid a percentage of the adult national minimum wage based on their age. The rates from 1 July 2026 are:

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

These rates are set by the National Minimum Wage Order. However, a modern award may specify different junior rates, so always check your award.

Awards and higher pay

Many industries in South Australia are covered by modern awards, which set minimum pay rates above the national minimum wage. For example, the Retail Award and Hospitality Award have higher rates for most classifications. If you work in an award-covered job, your minimum pay is the award rate, not the national minimum wage. You can find award pay guides on the pay guides page.

Casual loading and part-time work

Casual employees in SA get a 25% loading on the minimum wage, making it $33.05 per hour. For a full-time casual worker, that's $33.05 per hour, or $1,256.13 per week. Part-time workers are paid the same hourly rate as full-time workers under the same award or the national minimum wage.

How South Australia compares to other states

South Australia's average earnings index of 94.6 is lower than the national average. For context, Western Australia is 106.9, the Australian Capital Territory is 109.9, and Tasmania is 88.6. The minimum wage index of 48.2 is the same everywhere, but the gap between the minimum and the state average varies. In SA, the typical worker earns about twice the minimum wage, while in WA the typical worker earns more than twice the minimum. See the states page for more comparisons.

Industries in South Australia and the minimum wage

Some industries in SA have average earnings close to the minimum wage. For example, the retail trade industry index is 75.9, and accommodation and food services is 72.5. Workers in these industries may be on award rates that are only slightly above the national minimum. In contrast, professional, scientific and technical services index is 114.7, well above the state average. The industries page shows how different sectors compare.

The 2026 minimum wage increase

The national minimum wage rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. This increase flows through to all states, including South Australia. The new rate of $26.44 per hour is $1.20 higher than the previous rate. Award minima also rose by the same percentage. This helps low-paid workers keep up with the cost of living, though many argue it is still not enough.

Summary

The minimum wage in South Australia is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. After tax and Medicare, a full-time worker takes home about $45,013 per year, plus 12% super. Junior rates are lower. For most jobs, award rates are higher. Use the Salary Index to compare your pay to the national line.