Minimum wage for a 17-year-old in Australia: what it means for job ads

What is the minimum wage for a 17-year-old?

The minimum wage for a 17-year-old in Australia is the legal lowest hourly rate an employer can pay a worker aged 17. It is set by the Fair Work Ombudsman through the National Minimum Wage Order, which applies nationally. From 1 July 2026, the hourly rate for a 17-year-old is $15.28. This is about 58% of the adult national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. The rate is based on a percentage of the adult rate, as determined by the Fair Work Commission. For a 17-year-old, that percentage is roughly 57.8%.

If you are reading a job ad that quotes an hourly rate, compare it to this figure. But remember: many jobs are covered by a modern award, which can set a higher junior rate. For example, the Retail Award or Hospitality Award may have different percentages. Always check the award that applies to your role using the pay guides on this site.

How the minimum wage for a 17-year-old compares to the Salary Index

The Salary Index measures full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, with a benchmark of 100 equal to $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A 17-year-old working full-time (38 hours per week) at the national minimum wage would earn about $30,200 per year. That gives an index of roughly 28 – well below the national line. However, this comparison is not perfect because the index is designed for adult full-time workers. Junior rates are meant to reflect lower experience and productivity, not a living wage for an adult.

When you see a job ad for a 17-year-old, the hourly rate is the key number. Use the how the index works page to understand how to translate hourly rates into annual benchmarks, but keep in mind that part-time or casual hours will change the annual figure.

Reading a job ad: what to look for

When comparing offers, start with the hourly rate. Is it above $15.28? If so, it may be an award rate or an employer paying above minimum. Check whether the ad specifies "casual" or "permanent". Casual roles usually include a loading (often 25%) on top of the base rate. For a 17-year-old, the casual minimum wage would be about $19.10 per hour. If the ad quotes $19.10, that might be the casual rate including loading. If it quotes $15.28, that is likely the base rate for a permanent part-time or full-time employee.

Also look at the hours. A job offering 10 hours per week at $15.28 gives annual earnings of about $7,950 – well under the tax-free threshold. A job offering 30 hours per week gives about $23,850, which would attract some tax and Medicare levy. Use the tax rates for 2026–27 (nil to $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000) to estimate take-home pay.

Award rates and junior pay

Many 17-year-olds work in retail, hospitality, or fast food. These industries have modern awards that set specific junior rates. For example, the General Retail Industry Award might pay a 17-year-old a higher percentage of the adult award rate than the national minimum. The exact figure depends on the classification and the award. You can find these rates on the Fair Work Ombudsman website or use the industries page on this site to see industry benchmarks. Note that the industry indices on this site (e.g., Retail trade index 75.9) are for adult full-time workers, not juniors, but they give a sense of how the industry pays relative to the national average.

If a job ad does not mention an award, ask the employer. They must tell you which award applies. If no award covers the job, the national minimum wage is the floor.

Tax and super considerations

Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, but it applies only if the employee earns $450 or more in a month (threshold may change). For a 17-year-old working part-time, this may not always apply. However, if they earn over $450 in a month, the employer must pay super into a fund. The super is on top of the hourly rate.

Tax: As mentioned, the first $18,200 is tax-free. A 17-year-old earning $15.28 per hour for 20 hours per week would earn about $15,900 per year, so no tax. But if they work more hours or have other income, they may need to lodge a tax return. Medicare levy of 2% applies once income exceeds the threshold (around $24,276 for singles in 2026–27).

Comparing offers across states and industries

State indices show how average adult full-time earnings vary: for example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (higher than national), while Tasmania is 88.6 (lower). For a 17-year-old, the minimum wage is national, but actual pay in a job may be influenced by local labour markets. A job in a high-paying state like WA might offer above-minimum rates to attract workers, even for juniors. Similarly, industries like mining (index 154.7) pay much more than retail (75.9). But a 17-year-old is unlikely to work in mining; more likely in retail or hospitality. Use the states page to see how your state compares.

When reading job ads, focus on the hourly rate and the conditions. Use the national minimum wage for a 17-year-old as your baseline. If the rate is higher, that's good. If it's lower, it's illegal. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman if unsure.