What is the 482 visa minimum salary for 2026?

The 482 visa does not have a single minimum salary figure. Instead, your sponsor must pay you at least the equivalent of an Australian worker in the same occupation – typically the rate under the relevant modern award or enterprise agreement. The absolute floor is the National Minimum Wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). For casual employees, the minimum including 25% loading is $33.05 per hour. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for your specific award.

How do I convert my hourly rate to an annual salary?

Use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a standard full-time week of 38 hours, multiply your hourly rate by 38 then by 52. For example, $30 per hour × 38 × 52 = $59,280 per year. This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates. Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of this amount.

Does casual loading apply to the 482 visa minimum salary?

Yes, if you are employed as a casual worker, the 25% casual loading is included in your minimum hourly rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that casual employees under awards must receive the casual loading on top of the base rate. For 482 visa holders, your sponsor must ensure your total pay (including loading) meets or exceeds the equivalent Australian casual employee’s rate. Use our [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page to calculate the loaded rate.

482 Visa Minimum Salary 2026: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

The 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is not a fixed figure but must be at least the award or market rate; the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, equating to $1,004.90 per week or $52,254.80 per year.

Understanding the 482 Visa Minimum Salary 2026

If you are a skilled worker on a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, or considering one, you need to understand how your pay is calculated. The 482 visa minimum salary 2026 is not a single dollar figure set by the Department of Home Affairs – instead, it is tied to the wages paid to Australian workers in the same occupation. Your sponsor must offer terms and conditions no less favourable than those provided to an Australian employee performing the same role in the same workplace. This means your salary must meet or exceed the relevant award rate or, if no award applies, the market salary rate.

The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that 482 visa holders have the same workplace rights as other employees under the Fair Work Act, including the National Employment Standards and any applicable modern award. The Fair Work Ombudsman fact sheet confirms that your sponsor must pay you equivalent pay to an Australian employee in the same occupation. Therefore, the minimum salary for a 482 visa in 2026 is effectively the minimum wage or award rate for that classification.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual, Weekly and Fortnightly Figures

To work out whether an offer meets the 482 visa minimum salary 2026, you often need to convert an hourly rate to an annual salary. The standard formula used in Australia is:

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

We assume a full-time week of 38 hours (the ordinary hours under the National Employment Standards). For example, at the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026):

Weekly: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.90
Fortnightly: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80
Annual: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80

This calculation is used throughout our hourly conversion tool. Remember, this assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances.

The National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the legal floor. From 1 July 2026, the NMW is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, as published by the Fair Work Ombudsman in their pay guides. However, most occupations covered by a modern award have higher minimum rates. For example, the Children’s Services Award and Pharmacy Award have recently increased due to gender undervaluation reviews. Always check the specific award for your occupation.

Casual Loading and the 482 Visa

If you are employed as a casual worker on a 482 visa, your hourly rate must include the 25% casual loading. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that casual employees under awards are entitled to this loading in lieu of paid leave entitlements. For the NMW, the casual rate is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. When converting to annual pay, use the loaded rate in the formula. Our casual loading page can help you calculate the correct figure.

Tax and Superannuation on Your 482 Visa Salary

Your gross annual salary is the starting point for tax and super. The Australian Taxation Office’s 2026–27 resident tax rates apply:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
$190,001+: 45% on excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For example, on a $70,000 salary, your employer must contribute an extra $8,400 to your super fund.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, simply multiply your weekly pay by two. Using the NMW example: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80 per fortnight. This is useful for comparing job offers and understanding your cash flow.

Key Points for 482 Visa Holders

Your sponsor must pay you at least the award rate or market salary for your occupation.
The National Minimum Wage is the absolute minimum, but most skilled occupations pay above this.
Casual loading (25%) must be included if you are a casual employee.
Superannuation is paid on top of your salary, not deducted from it.
Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 to estimate annual pay, but check your specific award for hours and penalties.

For more detailed information, refer to our minimum wage page and the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides.

Disclaimer

The annual pay shown here is an estimate based on hourly rate × hours per week × 52, assuming the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings paid on top, up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold; Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.