Australia Minimum Wage 2026: The New $26.44 Hourly Rate Explained

Australia’s national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. For a standard 38-hour week, that is $1,004.90 before tax.

The figure is the base national rate for adult employees in the national workplace relations system who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement.

Does everyone get exactly $26.44 an hour?

No. Many workers in Australia are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, and the legal minimum for their job may be higher.

There are also special minimum wage arrangements for some juniors, apprentices, trainees and employees with disability.

What changed on 1 July 2026?

The Fair Work Commission’s 2026 minimum wage decision set the national minimum at $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week, or $26.44 per hour.

What should newcomers do when starting a job?

Do not assume the national minimum is the exact rate for your role. Check whether your job is covered by an award and compare your classification, age and employment type with the official Fair Work information.

Casual employees may receive a casual loading instead of some paid leave entitlements, so compare the full pay structure rather than only the headline hourly figure.

Keep your contract, rosters and payslips. If you are unsure, use the Fair Work Ombudsman or Fair Work Commission tools.

For more practical information, see Babylon’s Australia country guide.

Official source

Fair Work Commission: National Minimum Wage.

FAQ

Is $26.44 the minimum for every employee?

No. Awards and agreements can set different minimum rates, often higher than the national minimum.