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National minimum wage 2026: where it sits on the salary index
The national minimum wage 2026 is $26.44 per hour, annualised $52,255. See how it compares to the Australian salary index and what it means for job offers.
The national minimum wage 2026 has an index value of 48.2, meaning it is about half of the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark of $108,352.
National minimum wage 2026: what it means for job offers
When you read a job ad and compare offers, the first thing to know is the national minimum wage 2026. From 1 July 2026, the Fair Work Ombudsman sets this at $26.44 per hour for adult employees not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. That works out to $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 annualised. On the [Salary Index, where 100 is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, the national minimum wage 2026 sits at an index of 48.2. This means the legal minimum is about half the national benchmark.
How to use the salary index helps you compare
The index is yearly gross divided by the national line times 100. For example, if a job ad says 'above award' or 'above award' it likely pays more than the national minimum wage 2026. If the ad offers $30 per hour, that's about $62,400 annualised, giving an index of 57.6. That is above the national minimum wage 2026 but still well below the national average. For a casual role, the casual loading of 25% loading of 25% makes the casual rate $33.05 per hour, which is $68,640 annualised, index 63.3. Compare that to the national minimum wage 2026 of $26.44 per hour.
Concrete Australian examples
Consider a retail trade role in New South Wales. The state index for NSW has an index of 101.2 ($109,658 annualised). A retail trade industry index is 75.9 ($81,264 annualised). If a job ad offers $25.74 per hour (the entry-level award floor) that is $53,539 annualised, index 49.4. That is just above the national minimum wage 2026 of $26.44 per hour. But many retail jobs pay above award. If the ad says 'above award' it might be $28 per hour, $58,240 annualised, index 53.7. Still below the state average.
Another example: accommodation and food services industry index is 72.5 ($78,555 annualised). A kitchen hand on the national minimum wage 2026 would be $26.44 per hour, but the modern award for hospitality often sets higher rates. The national minimum wage 2026 is the floor, not the typical.
Junior rates and the national minimum wage 2026
If you are under 21, the national minimum wage 2026 has junior percentages. For a 19-year-old, the rate is $21.81 per hour. That is 82.5% of the adult rate. When reading a job ad for a junior role, check if the ad mentions the correct junior rate. The national minimum wage 2026 percentages are: under 16 $9.73, 16 $12.51, 17 $15.28, 18 $18.06, 19 $21.81, 20 $25.83. But a modern award can set a different junior rate, so always check the award.
Super and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your gross pay. For the national minimum wage 2026, that means an extra $6,270.60 per year in super contributions. The maximum contribution base is $270,830. When comparing offers, factor in super. Tax for 2026–27: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Plus Medicare levy 2%. Take-home pay for the national minimum wage 2026: $52,255 gross, after tax and Medicare: about $45,000 after tax? Let's calculate: $52,255 minus $18,200 tax-free = $34,055 taxed at 15% = $5,108.25 tax, plus 2% Medicare $1,045.10, total tax $6,153.35, take-home $46,101.65. That is a rough estimate ignoring HELP or salary sacrifice.
States and industries
Your location matters. The states page shows indexes: ACT 109.9 ($119,090), WA 106.9 ($115,825), NSW 101.2 ($109,658), VIC 98 ($106,137), QLD 97.9 ($106,064), SA 94.6 ($102,450), NT 95.2 ($103,173), TAS 88.6 ($96,008). A job in ACT offering $30 per hour ($62,400 annualised) is below the state average but above the national minimum wage 2026. In TAS, the same offer is closer to the state average.
Industries also vary. Industries shows Mining 154.7, Professional, scientific and technical 114.7, Education and training 105.5, Health care and social assistance 97.8, Retail trade 75.9, Accommodation and food services 72.5. If you see a job ad in mining offering $40 per hour ($83,200 annualised, index 76.8), that is below the industry average but well above the national minimum wage 2026.
When the figure is uncertain
If a job ad does not specify the award classification or the exact hourly rate, it is uncertain where it sits against the national line. The national minimum wage 2026 is a known floor, but many roles pay above. Use the pay guides to find typical rates for your occupation. The how the index works page explains the calculation.
Summary for comparing offers
When reading a job ad, first identify the hourly rate. Compare it to the national minimum wage 2026 of $26.44 per hour. If it is above, check if it is above the award minimum. Then use the salary index to see how it compares to the national average of $108,352. For example, $30 per hour is $62,400 annualised, index 57.6. That is above the national minimum wage 2026 but below the national average. Consider super, tax, location, and industry. The national minimum wage 2026 is the legal floor, but your offer may be higher. Always check the topics for more details.
Questions people ask
What is the national minimum wage 2026 in Australia?
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 annualised. This is the legal minimum for adult employees not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. Casual employees receive a loading of at least 25%, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.
How does the national minimum wage 2026 compare to the salary index?
The salary index sets the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at 100, which is $108,352 per year. The national minimum wage 2026 has an index of 48.2, meaning it is roughly half of that benchmark. For example, a job offering $30 per hour would have an index of about 57.6, which is above the minimum but still below the national average.
What should I consider when comparing a job ad to the national minimum wage 2026?
First, check if the ad mentions an award classification. If the ad says 'above award or above award it likely pays more than the national minimum wage 2026. Use the salary index to see where the offered rate relative to the national line. For instance, a health care role at $35 per hour might be close to the education and training index of 105.5. Also factor in super 12% and tax. The national minimum wage 2026 is the floor; many awards set higher rates.