Minimum Wage WA: Current Rates, Super, and Tax for 2026–27

What is the minimum wage in Western Australia?

The minimum wage in Western Australia depends on which industrial system covers your job. Most employees in WA are under the national system, where the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year. On the Salary Index, that gives a score of 48.2 – meaning the minimum wage is less than half of the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark ($108,352).

However, Western Australia has its own state industrial relations system for some employers (such as sole traders, partnerships, and local government in certain cases). For those workers, the WA Industrial Relations Commission sets a separate state minimum wage. The reference does not provide that figure, so it is uncertain. If you work under the WA state system, check the states page or the WA Labour Relations website for the current rate.

How does the minimum wage compare to WA's average earnings?

Western Australia has the second-highest average earnings of any state, with an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825). That is well above the national line of 100. The minimum wage at 48.2 is therefore a long way below the typical WA worker's pay. For example, a full-time worker on the minimum wage earns about $52,255 a year, while the average WA full-time worker earns $115,825. That gap reflects the mix of industries in WA – mining, professional services, and construction pay well above the minimum, while retail and hospitality pay closer to it.

Gross pay, super, and tax on the minimum wage in WA

Let's look at a concrete example. Suppose you are a full-time employee in WA covered by the national minimum wage, working 38 hours a week.

• Gross annual pay: $52,255
• Super guarantee (12%): $6,270.60 – paid by your employer into your super fund, not part of your take-home
• Taxable income: $52,255
• Tax on that income (2026–27 resident rates):
• First $18,200: nil
• Next $26,800 (up to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
• Remaining $7,255 (up to $52,255): 30% = $2,176.50
• Total tax: $6,196.50
• Medicare levy (2%): $1,045.10
• Total deductions: $7,241.60
• Take-home pay: $45,013.40 per year, about $865 per week

This estimate assumes you are a resident with the tax-free threshold and a flat 2% Medicare levy. It ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, the Medicare levy reduction, and the Medicare levy surcharge. Your actual take-home may differ.

Award rates and junior rates

The national minimum wage is the legal floor, but most employees are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates. For example, the entry-level award floor from 1 July 2026 is $25.74 per hour – still below the national minimum wage? Actually, the national minimum wage is $26.44, so the award floor is lower? Wait: the reference says entry-level award floor $25.74/hr. That seems contradictory – the national minimum wage is higher. That may be because some awards have a lower classification for entry-level workers, but the national minimum wage overrides if it is higher. In practice, the national minimum wage is the absolute minimum.

Junior rates are a percentage of the adult national minimum wage. For example, a 20-year-old gets $25.83 per hour, and a 17-year-old gets $15.28 per hour. These are the national junior rates; a modern award can set different junior rates. Casual employees also get a loading – for the national minimum wage, the casual loading is 25%, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

State system employees in WA

If you work for an employer that is not a constitutional corporation (e.g., a small unincorporated business, a sole trader, or a local government in WA), you may be under the WA state system. The WA Industrial Relations Commission sets a state minimum wage each year. The reference does not include that figure, so it is uncertain. Historically, the WA state minimum wage has been similar to the national rate, but it can differ. To find out, check the pay guides or the WA Labour Relations website. You can also use the industries page to see typical award rates for your sector.

How the index works for minimum wage

The Salary Index compares any gross annual pay to the national line of 100, which is $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings). A score below 100 means below average; above 100 means above average. The national minimum wage scores 48.2, meaning it is less than half the national average. WA's average earnings score 106.9, so the typical WA worker earns more than double the minimum wage. This gap is important when negotiating pay or understanding where your wage sits.

Summary

The minimum wage in WA is primarily the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour for most employees. After super and tax, a full-time worker takes home about $865 per week. If you are under the WA state system, the rate may be different – check with the relevant authority. For more on how your pay compares, see the topics page or explore state-by-state data on the states page.