Does the National Minimum Wage apply to all workers in NSW?

No. The National Minimum Wage applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. Most workers in NSW are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum pay rates for their industry or occupation. You should check the relevant award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website to see your correct minimum wage.

How is casual loading applied to the minimum wage in NSW?

Casual employees are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that means $33.05 per hour (from 1 July 2026). The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. When using a timesheet calculator, you can add the 25% casual loading as a separate checkbox – never type a rate that already includes the loading.

What is the fortnightly pay for someone on the minimum wage in NSW?

For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, the weekly pay is $1,004.90. The fortnightly pay is double that: $2,009.80 before tax and super. Superannuation is paid on top of these amounts at 12% of ordinary earnings.

What Is the Minimum Wage in NSW? A Guide to Hourly and Annual Pay

Based on the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week, the annual salary is approximately $52,277 before tax and super.

Understanding the Minimum Wage in NSW

If you are asking what is the minimum wage in NSW, the answer depends on whether you are covered by the National Minimum Wage or a specific award. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage set by the Fair Work Commission is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This rate applies to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. Most workers in New South Wales, however, are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates for their industry or occupation. For example, the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time in NSW was $2,108.80 per week in May 2026 – this is an average, not a median for any particular job, and it reflects higher-paid roles.

Converting Hourly Pay to Annual Salary

The standard formula to convert an hourly rate to an annual salary is:

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

This calculation assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. For a full-time employee, we assume 38 hours per week, which is the standard ordinary hours under the Fair Work Act. For example, at the National Minimum Wage:

$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,277.44 per year (before tax and super)

If you work part-time or casual, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. A fortnightly pay is simply the weekly amount multiplied by two: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor. But many industries have modern awards that set higher minimum rates. For instance, the Hospitality Industry General Award or the Clerks – Private Sector Award may specify higher hourly rates for certain classifications. Casual employees also receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate. For the National Minimum Wage, that loading brings the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. When using a timesheet calculator, you should enter your base hourly rate and then check the casual loading box – never enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Tax and Superannuation

Your annual salary is not your take-home pay. The Australian Taxation Office applies a progressive tax scale for 2026–27:

Nil tax 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

Plus a Medicare levy of generally 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds, as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. So if you earn $52,277, your employer must contribute an extra $6,273.24 into your super fund.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and choose whether to add casual loading. It then calculates your weekly, fortnightly, and annual pay, along with estimated tax and super. Remember, the results are estimates – they do not include HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.

For more details on specific pay rates, see our minimum wage page or hourly conversion guide. You can also check pay guides for award-specific information.

Key Takeaways

The National Minimum Wage in NSW from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a 38-hour week.
Most workers are covered by an award with higher rates – always check your award.
Casual loading is 25% on top, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.
Annual salary = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 (assuming 38 hours for full-time).
Super is 12% paid on top, and tax is progressive with a Medicare levy.

If you need to know what is the minimum wage in NSW for your specific situation, start by identifying your award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources to help you find the correct rate.