For a 14-year-old, the minimum wage depends on the award; junior rates are a percentage of the adult rate. Assuming 38 hours per week, annual gross is hourly rate × 38 × 52.

Understanding the minimum wage for 14 year old

If you are looking for the minimum wage for 14 year old workers in Australia, it is important to know that the National Minimum Wage set by the Fair Work Commission applies to adult employees not covered by an award or agreement. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour, or $1004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. However, junior employees under 21 years old, including 14-year-olds, are entitled to a lower minimum wage under most awards. The exact percentage of the adult rate varies by award and industry. For example, some awards set junior rates at 36% for a 14-year-old, but you must check the specific award or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides. The National Minimum Wage Order also includes a special junior rate for employees not covered by an award, which is a percentage of the adult rate based on age. Always refer to the official minimum wage page for the latest figures.

Converting hourly to annual pay

The standard formula to convert an hourly rate to annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a full-time week of 38 hours, as this is the standard under the National Employment Standards. For a 14-year-old, if the junior rate is, say, 36% of the adult National Minimum Wage, the hourly rate would be $9.52 (36% of $26.44). Using the formula:

$9.52 × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $18,812.48 per year (gross)

This is an example only; the actual junior rate depends on the award. You can use the timesheet to calculate your own figures by entering the base hourly rate and selecting casual loading if applicable. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Fortnightly pay

A fortnightly gross pay is simply the weekly pay multiplied by two. Using the example above, weekly pay is $9.52 × 38 = $361.76, so fortnightly is $723.52. This helps when comparing salary offers or budgeting.

Award rates vs National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage is the floor for all employees not covered by an award. Most 14-year-olds will be covered by an award (e.g., Retail, Hospitality, Fast Food). Award rates for juniors are usually higher than the National Minimum Wage junior rate. For example, the Fast Food Industry Award has specific junior percentages. Always check the relevant pay guides for your industry.

Casual loading

If a 14-year-old works as a casual, they are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the base junior rate. For the example above, the casual rate would be $9.52 × 1.25 = $11.90 per hour. This loading compensates for lack of paid leave. See casual loading for more details.

Tax and superannuation

From the 2026–27 income year, the resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
Over $190,000: 45%

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a 14-year-old earning $18,812, the tax would be nil because it is under $18,200. However, if they earn more, the tax applies. The take-home pay calculator can estimate net pay.

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top by the employer. For a 14-year-old earning $18,812, the super contribution would be $2,257.44 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from the hourly rate; it is additional. See super and packaging for more.

Average earnings comparison

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time in May 2026 was $2,083.70 per week. This is an average, not a median, and includes all industries. For a 14-year-old, earnings are typically much lower due to junior rates and limited hours. The average pay page provides more context.

Important disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. For personalised advice, consult a professional.

Use the hourly conversion tool to try different rates, and check reference tables for award junior percentages.

Minimum wage for 14 year old: hourly to annual pay guide