1 July 2026

The Fair Work Ombudsman says employers must ensure eligible employees receive the correct minimum wage increase from the first full pay period starting on or after today, 1 July 2026.

The National Minimum Wage is now $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38‑hour week for a full‑time employee), or $26.44 per hour.

Casual employees entitled to the National Minimum Wage must receive at least $33.05 per hour, which includes the 25 per cent casual loading.

Employees covered by an award must receive a 4.75 per cent increase to their minimum wages, provided that:

• the lowest rate in any award that applies to ongoing employment must be at least $1004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour
• any entry-level rate that applies to the first six months (or less) of employment must be at least $978.10 per week or $25.74 per hour.

Most employees in Australia are covered by an award, which sets minimum pay rates and conditions of employment in an industry or occupation.

The FWO has updated its Pay Calculator to help employers and employees calculate the new pay rates. Information is also available on the annual wage review webpage.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum rate for adult employees in the national system who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. It is set each year by the Fair Work Commission (a different agency to the Fair Work Ombudsman), as part of its annual wage review.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth urged employers to correctly pay the increase.

“Employers must apply the new minimum wage from the first full pay period on or after 1 July to eligible employees,” Ms Booth said.

“Our free Pay Calculator and pay guides can help employers and employees check the minimum pay rates that apply from today, and identify the relevant award for their industry or occupation.

“Any employers or employees with questions about the increase should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance. Small businesses can access resources for them in our Small Business Showcase and customised advice through our Employer Advisory Service – also for free.”

The minimum wage increase may also apply to employees covered by an enterprise agreement, as an employee’s base pay rate under an enterprise agreement can’t be less than their base pay rate under the relevant award or the National Minimum Wage if the employee is not covered by an award.

The Fair Work Commission announced the National Minimum Wage increase on 2 June 2026.

Pay rates for junior employees who are award and agreement-free are based on an age-based percentage scale in the National Minimum Wage order.

Pay rates for award and agreement-free trainees and apprentices are based on the Miscellaneous Award.

There are two special national minimum wages for award and agreement-free employees with disability. For details see Employees with disability pay rates.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides education, assistance and advice to employers and employees on pay and entitlements. We also promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws, inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act, and take appropriate enforcement action.

The Fair Work Commission is Australia’s workplace relations tribunal and registered organisations regulator. They review and set the minimum wage each year, make awards and enterprise agreements and help resolve issues at work.

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

Employees can also seek information from their employer and their union if they are a member.