Victoria minimum wage: where it sits on the Australian salary index

What is the Victoria minimum wage?

When people ask about the Victoria minimum wage, they are usually referring to the national minimum wage that applies across Australia, including Victoria. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets this rate, and from 1 July 2026 it is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year (before tax). On the Salary Index, where 100 represents the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, the minimum wage sits at index 48.2.

Victoria does not have its own state minimum wage. However, the state's average earnings are different: the Victorian index is 98, meaning the typical full-time worker in Victoria earns about $106,137 per year. That is slightly below the national average, but still more than double the minimum wage.

How does the Victoria minimum wage compare on the Salary Index?

The Salary Index compares any gross annual pay figure to the national line of $108,352. A score of 100 is exactly average. The minimum wage scores 48.2, which tells you it is less than half the national benchmark. In Victoria, where the state average is 98, a minimum-wage worker earns about 49% of the typical Victorian full-time salary.

For context, other benchmarks:

• The national minimum wage itself is 48.2.
• Victoria's average earnings are 98.
• The retail trade industry index is 75.9.
• Accommodation and food services is 72.5.

So a minimum-wage job in Victoria is well below the state average and even below the lowest-paying industry averages. Many workers in Victoria are covered by modern awards, which can set higher minimum rates. For example, the entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour – slightly below the national minimum, but most award classifications pay more.

Junior rates and award coverage

If you are under 21, the Victoria minimum wage may be lower for you. The national minimum wage order sets junior percentages. For example:

• Under 16: $9.73/hr
• 16 years: $12.51/hr
• 17 years: $15.28/hr
• 18 years: $18.06/hr
• 19 years: $21.81/hr
• 20 years: $25.83/hr

These rates are calculated as a percentage of the adult minimum wage. However, a modern award can set a different junior rate, so always check the applicable award. For instance, the Hospitality Industry General Award might have its own junior rates.

Casual employees receive a loading – typically 25% on top of the minimum wage. For the adult national minimum, that works out to $33.05 per hour, which gives an index of about 60.9. That is still well below the state average but a meaningful boost for casual workers.

Tax and super considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a minimum-wage worker earning $52,255 would have an extra $6,270.60 paid into super each year, though this is not counted in the Salary Index (which uses gross ordinary-time earnings before super).

For tax, a resident earning the minimum wage in 2026–27 would pay:

• Nil on the first $18,200
• 15% on the next $26,800 (to $45,000) = $4,020
• 30% on the remaining $7,255 = $2,176.50
• Plus Medicare levy of 2% on all taxable income = $1,045.10
• Total tax and Medicare: about $7,241.60
• Estimated take-home: $45,013.40 per year, or about $865 per week.

This is a rough estimate ignoring HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use the ATO tax calculator for your situation.

Victoria's average earnings context

Victoria's state index of 98 means the typical full-time worker earns 2% less than the national average. That puts Victoria slightly below states like New South Wales (101.2) and well below the ACT (109.9) and Western Australia (106.9). However, it is above Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6).

For a minimum-wage worker in Victoria, the gap to the state average is larger than in, say, Western Australia, where the average is higher. But the minimum wage itself is the same everywhere. This highlights how the cost of living and earning potential vary by location. The states page breaks down each region's index.

If you are looking for a job in Victoria, remember that many employers pay above the minimum wage, especially in industries like professional services (index 114.7) or education (105.5). The pay guides can help you understand typical rates for your role.

Summary

The Victoria minimum wage is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, index 48.2. It is less than half of Victoria's average earnings index of 98. Junior rates, casual loadings, and award coverage can change what you actually earn. Always check your award or agreement, and remember that super and tax affect your final take-home pay. For more detail on how the index works, see how the index works.