What's my salary? Awards versus the national minimum wage explained
Find out what your salary means using the Salary Index. Compare awards vs national minimum wage, see where you sit on the index, and learn how to check your minimum pay rate.
Your salary index is your annual gross pay divided by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $108,352, multiplied by 100.
What does 'what's my salary' really mean?
When you ask "what's my salary", you're really asking how your pay compares to others and whether it meets legal minimums. In Australia, the answer depends on two key things: the national minimum wage and the modern award that covers your job. The Salary Index helps you see where your pay sits against the national line, where 100 equals the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Awards and the national minimum wage: two different floors
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week. That annualises to $52,255, giving an index of 48.2. But most employees are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates for specific industries and occupations. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, as shown in the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
For example, a retail worker under the General Retail Industry Award earns more than the national minimum. The industry index for Retail trade is 75.9, meaning the average full-time retail worker earns about 75.9% of the national benchmark. In contrast, Mining has an index of 154.7, reflecting much higher average earnings.
How to find your award and your minimum pay
To answer "what's my salary" accurately, you need to know which award applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay Calculator and a Find My Award tool. You enter your industry, occupation, and employer details. If no award covers you, the national minimum wage is your floor. But many jobs in hospitality, retail, health, and construction are award-covered.
Once you know your award classification, check the pay guide for your hourly rate. For example, a full-time adult under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award might earn around $24–$28 per hour depending on the classification. That's above the national minimum but below the average for Accommodation and food services (index 72.5).
Using the salary index to benchmark your pay
The Salary Index lets you compare your pay to the national line. Calculate your index: divide your annual gross salary by $108,352, then multiply by 100.
- If you earn $60,000, your index is 55.4. That's above the national minimum (48.2) but below the all-industries average (100).
- If you earn $120,000, your index is 110.8, above the national average.
You can also compare to your state or territory. For instance, the ACT index is 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. If you live in Tasmania and earn $96,000, you're close to the state average. Use the states page to see where you stand.
Similarly, industries show how your field compares. A professional in scientific services (index 114.7) likely earns more than someone in retail (75.9).
What about junior rates, super, and tax?
If you're under 21, your minimum wage may be a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 17-year-old on the national minimum earns $15.28 per hour. Awards can set different junior rates, so check your award.
Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, on top of your salary. Tax is withheld by your employer based on the tax-free threshold and brackets. For 2026–27, a resident earning $80,000 pays about $18,000 in tax and Medicare. Your take-home pay is lower than your gross, but the index uses gross for consistency.
The how the index works page explains the calculation in more detail.
Putting it all together
To answer "what's my salary", start with your award or the national minimum wage. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman resources to confirm your minimum rate. Then calculate your index to see how you compare nationally, by state, and by industry. The Salary Index is a tool for understanding where your pay sits, not a quote for a specific job offer. If you're unsure about your award, check the topics page for more guidance.
Remember, awards can pay more than the national minimum, and enterprise agreements can pay even more. Always verify your classification and rate. Your salary is more than a number—it's your place in the Australian labour market.
Questions people ask
What if my employer doesn't follow the award?
If you believe you are not being paid the correct minimum rate under your award, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice or lodge a complaint. Keep records of your hours and pay slips. The Ombudsman can investigate and order back pay. You may also seek help from a union or community legal centre.
How do I know which award applies to me?
Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Find My Award tool on their website. You'll need to know your industry, occupation, and employer type. If no award covers you, the national minimum wage applies. Pay guides for each award list minimum rates and classifications.
Is the salary index the same as my take-home pay?
No. The salary index uses your gross annual salary divided by the national benchmark. Take-home pay is after tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions. For a resident earning $80,000 in 2026–27, tax and Medicare would reduce it to about $62,000, but the index would be 73.8. The index is a benchmarking tool, not a net pay calculator.