Minimum wage Queensland: awards versus the national minimum wage explained

What is the minimum wage in Queensland?

The minimum wage in Queensland is the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. As of 1 July 2026, the rate is $26.44 per hour, $1004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year before tax. This applies to all states and territories, including Queensland. On the Salary Index, where 100 represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 per year), the national minimum wage sits at an index of 48.2. That means a full-time worker on the minimum wage earns less than half the national benchmark.

Queensland’s average earnings index is 97.9, or $106,064 annualised. This shows that typical full-time pay in Queensland is close to the national line, but the minimum wage is far below that average. Most workers in Queensland are not paid the minimum wage because they are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates.

Awards versus the national minimum wage

Modern awards are legal documents that set minimum pay and conditions for specific industries or occupations. They apply nationally, including in Queensland. The national minimum wage is a safety net for workers not covered by an award or agreement. Award rates are generally higher than the national minimum wage, and they vary by classification level.

For example, the Retail Award (General Retail Industry Award 2020) has a minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 adult employee of about $27.50, depending on the classification. The Hospitality Award (Hospitality Industry General Award 2020) starts around $27.00 per hour for a Food and Beverage Attendant Grade 1. Both are above the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, award minimum wages increased by 4.75%, so these rates have risen.

In Queensland, industries like accommodation and food services have an index of 72.5, well below the state average, but still above the national minimum wage index of 48.2. Retail trade has an index of 75.9. Workers in these industries are typically covered by awards that pay more than the minimum wage floor.

The role of the national minimum wage in Queensland

The national minimum wage is the legal minimum that an employer can pay an adult employee who is not covered by an award or agreement. In practice, very few full-time adult workers in Queensland are on the national minimum wage. Most are either on an award, an enterprise agreement, or a contract that pays above the minimum.

However, the national minimum wage is important for setting the floor for junior rates, training wages, and disability support wages. It also affects the minimum wage for casual employees, who receive a casual loading of 25% on top of the minimum rate. For the national minimum wage, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour.

Junior and entry-level rates in Queensland

Junior workers in Queensland are paid a percentage of the adult national minimum wage based on age. For example, a 17-year-old gets $15.28 per hour, and a 20-year-old gets $25.83 per hour. These rates are set by the National Minimum Wage Order. However, if a modern award applies, the award may set different junior percentages. Always check the relevant award.

Entry-level award rates also exist. The entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour, which is slightly below the national minimum wage. This is used for some trainees or apprentices under certain awards. In practice, most entry-level workers in Queensland are covered by an award that pays more.

How the salary index helps compare pay

The Salary Index converts yearly gross pay into a number where 100 equals the national average for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. This makes it easy to see where a wage sits relative to the national line. For example, the national minimum wage index is 48.2, meaning it is less than half the average. Queensland’s state index is 97.9, close to the national average. If you earn $80,000 per year, your index would be about 73.8.

When comparing awards, you can use the index to see how a particular award classification compares to the national average. For instance, a retail worker on $55,000 per year would have an index of about 50.8, still above the minimum wage index but below the state average.

Tax and superannuation on minimum wage in Queensland

If you earn the national minimum wage in Queensland, your take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy is estimated as follows. For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. On $52,255, you pay 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000, then 30% on the remainder up to $135,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Estimated tax and Medicare is about $6,200, leaving about $46,055 per year, or $885 per week. This is a rough guide; it ignores HELP, salary sacrifice, or surcharge.

Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, at 12% of ordinary-time earnings. For a minimum wage worker, that adds about $6,270 per year, but it is not included in the salary index because the index uses ordinary-time earnings only.

Where to find more information

For the latest award rates in Queensland, visit [pay guides](/blog] and check the Fair Work Ombudsman website. You can also see how other states compare on the index. If you want to understand the methodology, read how the index works.

Final thoughts

The minimum wage in Queensland is the national minimum wage, but it is rarely the actual pay for most workers. Awards set higher rates, and the state average earnings are nearly double the minimum. Understanding the difference between the national minimum wage and award rates is key to knowing your rights at work. Use the salary index to see where your pay sits against the national line.