Effective from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage increased in accordance with the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) Annual Wage Review 2026 decision.
The statutory weekly minimum wage increased from AUD 948 to AUD 1,004.90 per week, establishing a baseline hourly rate of AUD 26.44 per hour for full-time employees (38-hour week). This 6% adjustment marks the first time Australia’s weekly baseline has crossed the AUD 1,000 threshold.
4.75% Increase across Modern Award classifications
In parallel, minimum rates across the Modern Award system increased by 4.75%, directly benefiting approximately 2.8 million award-reliant workers across accommodation, food services, healthcare, retail, and administrative sectors.
Key distinction for Subclass 482 visa holders
It is vital to distinguish between the National Minimum Wage and employer-sponsored visa thresholds. Sponsored skilled workers under Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) must be remunerated according to the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT: AUD 79,423/year) and Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), which supersede baseline award minimums.
Action steps for international students and workers
- Review initial July payslips to verify that updated statutory award rates and 11.5% superannuation guarantee contributions are accurately reflected.
- Ensure Student Visa 500 fortnightly work limits are strictly adhered to during academic semesters.
Source: Fair Work Commission (FWC) / Fair Work Ombudsman / De1 Employment Analysis
