Minimum Wage in Australia

The Australian national minimum wage rose to 24.95 Australian dollars an hour from 1 July 2025, one of the highest statutory minimums in the world.

Overview

The rate is set each year by the Fair Work Commission in its annual wage review, which also adjusts the minimum rates in more than a hundred industry and occupation awards. Casual employees receive a loading, generally 25 percent, in place of paid leave, and junior and apprentice rates are lower. Employers also pay compulsory superannuation contributions on top of wages. Because many workers are paid award rates above the national minimum, the annual review affects a large share of the workforce and is closely watched by unions and employer groups.