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What Is the Minimum Wage in Victoria? It's the National Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Victoria is the national minimum wage set by Fair Work. As of July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week, with an index of 48.2. Learn how it compares
The national minimum wage applies in Victoria, with an index of 48.2, well below the state's average earnings index of 98.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Victoria?
When someone asks *what is the minimum wage in Victoria, the answer is straightforward: Victoria does not have its own minimum wage. Instead, the national minimum wage applies, set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week, or $52,255 a year. 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.
How does that compare to Victoria’s state average? Victoria’s average earnings index is 98, annualised at $106,106. That means the typical full-time worker in Victoria earns about $106,137 a year – more than double the minimum. The gap highlights how the minimum wage is a floor, not a typical wage.
National Minimum Wage and Victoria
The national minimum wage applies in every state, including Victoria. The rate is the same for all adult employees not covered by a modern award or agreement. For casual employees, the minimum hourly rate is $33.05 (including the 25% casual loading). An entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour.
Awards and Modern Awards
Most employees in Victoria are covered by a modern award that pays more than the national minimum. For example, the Retail award rates are higher than the national minimum. Always check the relevant award for your industry. For example, pay guides can help you find the minimum for your role.
Junior Minimum Wage Victoria
Junior employees in Victoria are paid a percentage of the adult national minimum. From 1 July 2026, the hourly rates: under 16 – $9.73; 16 years – $12.51; 17 years – $15.28; 18 years – $18.06; 18 years – 18.06; 19 years – $21.81; 20 years – $25.81. But a modern award can set a different junior rate, so always check the award.
Super and Tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, with a maximum contribution base $270,830. Tax for residents 2026–27: nil to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. Medicare levy 2%.
Take-Home Example
Take-home pay for a full-time worker on the national minimum wage, annual $52,255, tax and Medicare: $8,239 tax, $1,045 Medicare, net $42,971. That is estimate, ignoring HELP, salary sacrifice, Medicare levy reduction, and Medicare levy surcharge.
How the Index Works
The how the index works explains: yearly gross divided by the national line (currently $108,352) times 100. The national minimum wage index 48.2. Victoria’s average index 98. That means the minimum wage is about half the state average.
Industries in Victoria
Victoria’s economy includes many industries. For example, industries like retail trade index 75.9, accommodation and food services 72.5, professional services 114.7, education 105.5, health care 97.8. The minimum wage is below all these industry averages.
Summary
So what is the minimum wage in Victoria? It is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week, index 48.2. Always check your award or agreement for the correct rate. Use states to compare other states, and topics for more guides.
Questions people ask
Is there a separate Victorian minimum wage?
No. The minimum wage in Victoria is the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. It applies across all states and territories, including Victoria. As of 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week. Some modern awards or enterprise agreements may set higher rates for specific industries or roles.
What is the minimum wage for juniors in Victoria?
Junior employees in Victoria are paid a percentage of the adult national minimum wage, as set by the National Minimum Wage Order. From 1 July 2026, the hourly rates are: under 16 – $9.73; 16 years – $12.51; 17 years – $15.28; 18 years – $18.06; 19 years – $21.81; 20 years – $25.83. However, a modern award may specify different junior rates, so always check the applicable award.
How does the minimum wage compare to the Victorian average?
The national minimum wage has an index of 48.2, meaning it is about 48% of the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark. Victoria’s average earnings index is 98, which is slightly below the national line of 100. So the minimum wage is therefore well below the typical Victorian full-time wage. For example, a full-time worker on the minimum wage earns about $52,255 per year, while the Victorian average is around $106,137.