What is the 482 minimum salary and how does it relate to the National Minimum Wage?

The 482 minimum salary is the minimum annual salary required for Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) holders, set by the Department of Home Affairs. It is separate from the National Minimum Wage, which applies to all award/agreement-free employees. As of 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but the 482 minimum salary is typically higher and depends on the occupation and market salary rate. Always check the latest immigration requirements.

How does casual loading affect the 482 minimum salary calculation?

Casual loading is an additional 25% on top of the base hourly rate, as set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. For a casual employee earning the National Minimum Wage, the rate becomes $33.05 per hour. However, the 482 minimum salary is based on the annual equivalent of the base rate (excluding casual loading) unless the visa conditions specify otherwise. Our calculator lets you add casual loading separately to see the total pay.

What are the 2026–27 tax brackets and how do they affect take-home pay?

For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. These rates apply to all employees, including those on a 482 visa, unless a tax treaty applies. Use our take-home pay estimator to see your net income after tax and Medicare.

Understanding the 482 Minimum Salary and Australian Pay Standards

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, equating to $1,004.90 per week or $52,254.80 per year before tax and super.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay

When you have an hourly rate or a salary offer, the simplest way to compare them is to convert one to the other. For a standard full-time role based on 38 hours per week, the formula is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For example, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. Multiply by 38 hours and 52 weeks:

$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year.

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. It is a baseline estimate. For award-covered employees, the minimum rates may be higher, and for those on the 482 minimum salary, the threshold is set by immigration rules, not by the Fair Work Commission.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission set the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours. Award minimum wages increased by 4.75% from the same date. Most employees are covered by an award, which may have higher rates than the National Minimum Wage. Always check the relevant pay guides for your industry.

If you are on a 482 visa, your employer must pay at least the 482 minimum salary, which is typically above the award rate and is based on the market salary for your occupation. The Fair Work Ombudsman does not set this figure; it is determined by the Department of Home Affairs. However, the National Minimum Wage provides a floor for all workers, including visa holders.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour. Our casual loading tool lets you toggle this on and off. Remember: the 482 minimum salary is usually quoted as a base salary without casual loading, but casual employees on a 482 visa may still receive the loading.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026). For an employee earning $52,254.80 per year, the super contribution would be $6,270.58, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost for the employer. Our super and packaging page explains how salary sacrifice affects your take-home pay.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For the National Minimum Wage:

$1,004.90 per week × 2 = $2,009.80 per fortnight.

If you are on a 482 minimum salary, your annual salary divided by 26 gives your fortnightly amount. This is useful for budgeting and comparing job offers.

Tax and Medicare Levy

For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income. For a single person earning $52,254.80, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately $7,267.44, and Medicare $1,045.10, leaving a take-home of about $43,942.26 per year. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Key Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That is significantly higher than the National Minimum Wage. The 482 minimum salary is often set at or above the market rate, which may be closer to the ABS figure for skilled occupations. Always compare your offer against industry benchmarks.

Summary

National Minimum Wage: $26.44/hour, $1,004.90/week, $52,254.80/year.
Casual loading: +25% = $33.05/hour.
Super: 12% on top, up to $270,830.
Tax: 2026–27 resident rates plus 2% Medicare.
482 minimum salary: Set by immigration rules, not by Fair Work. Check the latest threshold.

Use our hourly conversion tool to see how your rate stacks up. Remember, this is an estimate and does not include penalty rates, allowances, or salary packaging. Always verify with your employer or a qualified advisor.