What is the National Minimum Wage in Australia from 1 July 2026?

The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours, as set by the Fair Work Commission. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. This rate applies to award/agreement-free adult employees.

How is casual loading calculated and is super paid on top?

Casual loading is 25% of the base hourly rate, added to compensate for lack of paid leave. For example, a $30 base rate becomes $37.50 casual. Superannuation is paid on top of the total ordinary earnings (including casual loading) at 12% (2026–27 rate), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

What is considered a good salary in Australia in 2026?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70, equating to about $108,352 annually. This is a common benchmark for a 'good' salary. However, a salary above the National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hr) and aligned with your award or industry is also good.

What Is a Good Salary in Australia? Hourly to Annual Guide with Casual Loading and Super

A good full-time salary in Australia is around $2,084 per week ($108,352 annual) based on ABS average weekly earnings for adult ordinary time, but the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,005 per week for 38 hours).

What Is a Good Salary in Australia? Understanding Hourly to Annual Pay

If you’re asking “what is a good salary in Australia”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re negotiating a job offer, switching careers, or just checking your worth, the answer depends on your industry, experience, and the type of employment. This guide breaks down how to convert an hourly rate to annual pay, explains the role of the 38-hour week, casual loading, and superannuation, and compares your earnings with official benchmarks from the Fair Work Commission and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

How to Calculate Annual Salary from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula is simple:

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

Most full-time roles in Australia are based on 38 ordinary hours per week (the standard under the National Employment Standards). So if you earn $30 per hour, your annual salary before tax is:

$30 × 38 × 52 = $59,280

If you work part-time or irregular hours, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. The hourly conversion tool on this site does the maths for you.

Why the Fortnight Matters

A fortnight is simply two weeks of pay. For budgeting, many people think in fortnights. For a $30/hour full-time worker:

Fortnightly gross = $30 × 38 × 2 = $2,280

This is useful for rent, loan repayments, and other regular bills. The take-home pay calculator can show your net after tax.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates vs Casual Loading

The Fair Work Commission sets the **National Minimum Wage each year. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). This is the legal minimum for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement. Most employees are covered by a modern award, which often has higher minimum rates. Check your specific award via the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides to see your correct classification.

Casual loading is a 25% addition on top of the base hourly rate for casual employees to compensate for not receiving paid leave (sick leave, annual leave). For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading – the tool has a checkbox to add 25% on top.

Award-free adult employees with a disability that does not affect productivity receive the same minimum. Junior rates (under 21) and apprentice rates are percentages of the minimum.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

Superannuation is not deducted from your hourly rate – it is paid on top by your employer. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a $30/hour full-time worker:

Annual super = $59,280 × 12% = $7,113.60 (added to your super fund, not your pocket).

This is a key part of your total remuneration package. Learn more about super and packaging.

What Is a Good Salary in Australia? Benchmarks

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releases Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026). For full-time adult employees, ordinary time earnings average $2,083.70 per week. That’s about $108,352 per year – a common benchmark for a “good” salary.

All employees (including part-time and casual) average $1,579.20 per week ($82,118 annually).

If you earn above the National Minimum Wage and in line with your award or industry, you’re on a fair wage. A “good” salary also depends on your location, experience, and industry – for example, mining and construction often pay above the national average.

Tax and Medicare

Your gross annual salary is taxed using the 2026–27 resident tax brackets:

$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% (single income thresholds not confirmed for 2026–27; 2025–26 thresholds used here). The take-home pay page estimates net pay after tax and Medicare.

Putting It All Together

To answer “what is a good salary in Australia”, start with your hourly rate, multiply by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks. Compare with the National Minimum Wage ($26.44/hr, $1,004.90/week), check your award, add 25% casual loading if applicable, and remember super is on top. A full-time salary around $108,000 is the national average – anything above that is above average. Use the reference tables for more comparisons.

This is an estimate, not a determination. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a professional for your exact entitlements.