What is the minimum wage for a 17 year old in Australia?

Junior rates vary by award and industry. The adult National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but 17-year-olds typically receive a percentage of that rate under their award. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for your specific award.

How do I convert my hourly rate to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by hours per week (usually 38 for full-time) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,261.44 per year. This assumes no overtime, penalties, or allowances.

Does superannuation apply to junior rates?

Yes, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your gross pay, regardless of age. It applies up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year.

Minimum Wage for 17 Year Old: Hourly to Annual Pay Conversion Guide

Assuming 38 hours per week, the annual gross pay for a 17-year-old on the junior rate is hourly rate × 38 × 52, with tax and super estimated on top.

Introduction

If you're a 17-year-old worker or an employer trying to understand pay, you need to know the minimum wage for 17 year old workers in Australia. While the adult National Minimum Wage is set at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, junior rates under awards are typically lower. This guide explains how to convert an hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay, and covers tax, superannuation, and casual loading.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual Pay

The basic formula is: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a full-time employee, we assume 38 hours per week (the standard under the Fair Work Act). For example, if you earn the adult minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, your annual gross pay would be:

$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,261.44

But for a 17-year-old, the rate is often a percentage of the adult rate. Check your award or enterprise agreement. The the timesheet on this site lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. Do not include casual loading in the base rate you type – the checkbox adds it on top.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

To find your fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Weekly pay is hourly rate × hours per week. For the adult minimum wage: weekly = $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.72 (rounded). Fortnightly = $2,009.44. For a junior rate, adjust accordingly.

Understanding the National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour for adults, $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, most employees are covered by an award or registered agreement that may specify higher rates and junior percentages. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for each industry.

Junior Rates

For a 17-year-old, the minimum wage is not a single figure. Under many awards, juniors receive a percentage of the adult rate based on age. For example, a 17-year-old might get 60–70% of the adult rate. Always refer to the specific award. The minimum wage page on this site has more details on the adult rate, but for juniors you must consult the relevant award.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This compensates for lack of paid leave. If you are a casual 17-year-old, your base rate (the junior rate under the award) gets the loading added. The casual loading page explains more.

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your gross pay. It applies to all employees, including juniors, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, if your annual gross is $30,000, your employer must pay $3,600 super.

Tax and Medicare Levy

Your annual gross pay is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. Then:

$18,201 – $45,000: 15c per $1
$45,001 – $135,000: 30c per $1
$135,001 – $190,000: 37c per $1
Over $190,000: 45c per $1

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For low-income earners, there may be reductions. The take-home pay page can help estimate your net pay.

Example for a 17-Year-Old on Junior Rate

Assume a 17-year-old earns $15.86 per hour (60% of adult rate) for 38 hours per week. Annual gross = $15.86 × 38 × 52 = $31,339.36. Tax: first $18,200 tax-free, then $13,139.36 taxed at 15% = $1,970.90. Medicare levy 2% = $626.79. Net annual = $31,339.36 - $1,970.90 - $626.79 = $28,741.67. Super (12%) = $3,760.72 paid on top.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our the timesheet calculator lets you enter your base hourly rate and choose whether you are casual. It will show annual, fortnightly, and weekly gross, plus estimated tax and super. Remember, the calculator uses the adult tax scale and assumes no HELP debt or surcharge. It's an estimate.

Conclusion

Understanding the minimum wage for a 17 year old requires checking the relevant award. Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 for annual gross, then apply tax and super. For precise figures, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or use our reference tables.

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.