What is the minimum wage in Australia?

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AussieLedger · Accepted Answer

The national minimum wage was A$24.95 an hour from 1 July 2025, reviewed annually with changes taking effect each 1 July. But most employees are covered by an industry award setting a higher rate for their classification, so the national minimum is a floor rather than the rate that applies to you. Australia's wage floor works in two layers. The national minimum wage applies to employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement — a relatively small group. Above it sit around 120 modern awards, each setting minimum rates by industry, occupation, classification level, age and, for many, by day of the week and time of day. The Fair Work Commission conducts an Annual Wage Review each year, with the outcome taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Award minimum rates generally rise by the same percentage. Casual employees receive a loading on top of the base rate — at least 25 per cent under most awards — in place of paid annual leave, paid personal leave, notice of termination and redundancy pay. A casual paid the same base rate as a permanent employee doing the same work is being underpaid. Penalty rates for evenings, weekends and public holidays, plus overtime rates and allowances for tools, travel, laundry and first aid, are set by the award and can substantially exceed the base rate. To find the rate that actually applies to you, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's free Pay and Conditions Tool, which identifies your award and classification and calculates your minimum entitlements including penalties and allowances.

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