Minimum wages

Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2025

From 1 July:

  • the National Minimum Wage increases by 3.5% to $948 per week or $24.95 per hour
  • award minimum wages increase by 3.5%.

The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025.

This fact sheet has been updated with the new rates.

Learn more about the minimum wage increase at Minimum wages increase 3.5% from 1 July 2025.

Read our fact sheet on minimum wages.

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Overview

A minimum wage is an employee’s base rate of pay for ordinary hours worked. It is generally dependent on the industrial instrument that applies to their employment. For example, an award or enterprise agreement.

Employees cannot be paid less than their applicable minimum wage, even if they agree to it.

What is the current National Minimum Wage?

From 1 July 2025 the National Minimum Wage is $24.95 per hour or $948.00 per week before tax.

This is the adult minimum rate for employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. Casual employees covered by the National Minimum Wage also get a 25% casual loading.

Different types of minimum wages

Employees with disability may receive a lower rate if their disability affects their productivity. Lower rates may also apply to juniors, apprentices and trainees.

Pay rates for award and agreement free apprentices and trainees are based on the Miscellaneous Award. All other entitlements come from the Fair Work Act, including the National Employment Standards.

Employees covered by an award

Most employees in the national workplace system are covered by an award. Awards contain the minimum wage, as well as other terms and conditions, for employees in particular industries and occupations.

Minimum wages under awards may include:

  • pay rates for adults, in some cases, at different rates according to experience and qualifications
  • pay rates for juniors, employees with disability, and employees to whom training arrangements apply
  • casual loadings
  • piece rates.

Award rates are sometimes lower than the National Minimum Wage. For example, introductory rates might apply for a limited time after an employee starts their job. An employee can’t agree to be paid less than the minimum pay rates that apply for their job.

For further information on awards, see our Awards section.

To find the minimum wage under an award, you can use our Pay Calculator (PACT).

Who determines minimum wages?

Every year, the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel reviews the minimum wages received by employees in the national workplace relations system.

The review considers:

  • written submissions from interested organisations and individuals
  • consultations before the Expert Panel
  • research commissioned by the Expert Panel.

At the conclusion of this review, the Fair Work Commission issues their Annual Wage Review Decision, which includes a National Minimum Wage Order. Any required changes to employees' pay apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year.

What is a National Minimum Wage Order?

A National Minimum Wage Order outlines the National Minimum Wage for that year. It only applies to award and agreement free employees.

The National Minimum Wage Order must set the following wages for award and agreement free employees:

  • a National Minimum Wage for adults
  • a special National Minimum Wage for:
    • trainees, apprentices and junior employees
    • employees to whom training arrangements apply
    • employees with disability
  • a casual loading.

For more information about the Annual Wage Review and the National Minimum Wage Order, see sections 285-299 of the Fair Work Act.

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