Key Facts: Australia Wages
- Country
- Australia (AUS)
- Continent
- Oceania
- Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Minimum Wage
- A$26.44 /hr ($18.56 USD)
- Average Gross Monthly Salary
- A$7,833 /month
- Average Gross Annual Salary
- A$94,000 /year
- Median Individual Income
- A$67,600 /year
- Standard Work Week
- 38 hours
- Data Source
- Australia Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026 (decided 2026-06-02), verified 2026-06-08
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06
Australia — Average Salary & Wages
Australian Dollar (AUD) Data verified Jul 2026 Sources
The average salary in Australia is
A$94,000 a year
But half of all workers earn less than A$67,600 .
The average is lifted by bonuses and high earners. Most workers earn less than that.
The minimum wage in Australia is A$26.44/hr ($18.56 USD) as of 2026. The average gross monthly salary is A$7,833 ($5,497.23 USD). The median monthly income is A$5,633.33 ($3,953.49 USD).
The Numbers
Australia's minimum wage is among the highest for Oceania, ranking #1 out of 15 countries with statutory minimum wages. Over the past 7 years, the minimum wage has increased by 36% in nominal terms. The standard work week is 38 hours.
Average full-time ordinary time earnings. Employers also pay 12% superannuation on top of gross salary.
Wage Breakdown
- Hourly
- A$26.44
- Monthly
- A$4,354Based on 164.67 hours/month (38 hrs/week)
- Annual
- A$52,245Based on 1,976 hours/year (38 hrs/week, 52 weeks)
One of the highest national minimum wages in the world. Applies to employees not covered by a Modern Award or enterprise agreement. Standard workweek is 38 hours (not 40). Most Australian workers are covered by a Modern Award, which sets higher industry-specific rates. Casual workers receive 25% loading. The Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026, decided 2 June 2026, awarded a 5.97% increase taking the National Minimum Wage to AUD 26.44/hour (AUD 1,004.90/week) effective 1 July 2026.
What It Buys
• PPP ADJUSTED
In Australia, the minimum wage has the purchasing power of $19.30/hr in the United States, adjusted for local cost of living using the World Bank PPP conversion factor.
In Context
At minimum wage, a full-time worker in Australia earns A$4,354/mo. That is 56% of the average gross salary.
- Monthly (full-time)
- A$4,354 at min. wage
- Share of avg. salary
- 56% gross, before tax
- USD equivalent
- $3,055.65/mo monthly
- Nominal growth
- +36% since 2019
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Minimum Wage Trend
Since 2019, the minimum wage has grown +36% in nominal terms.
Where It Varies
Territories & States · 8 regions
• SECTOR RATES
Casual employees
A$33.05 /hr
Since 2026-07-01
25% casual loading on top of the National Minimum Wage, compensating for lack of paid leave entitlements. Applies to award-free casual workers.
Work Week
- Standard
- 38 hrs/wk
- Maximum
- 38 hrs/wk
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay
Standard full-time workweek is 38 hours. Employers can request reasonable additional hours. Overtime and penalty rates vary by Modern Award.
How It Compares
How Australia Compares
| Metric | Australia | Oceania Avg. | Oceania Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wage (USD equiv.) | $18.56/hr | $4.85/hr | $18.56/hr (Australia) |
| Avg. salary (USD equiv.) | $5,497.23/mo | $1,362.96/mo | $5,497.23/mo (Australia) |
Countries with Similar Minimum Wages
| Country | Min. Wage /hr (USD) |
|---|---|
| Jersey | $18.24 |
| Isle of Man | $18.06 |
| Luxembourg | $17.95 |
| Bermuda | $17.13 |
| United Kingdom | $17.06 |
| Australia | $18.56 |
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Micronesia Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Australia?
The minimum wage in Australia is A$26.44/hr (approximately $18.56 USD), effective since 2026-07-01. One of the highest national minimum wages in the world. Applies to employees not covered by a Modern Award or enterprise agreement. Standard workweek is 38 hours (not 40). Most Australian workers are covered by a Modern Award, which sets higher industry-specific rates. Casual workers receive 25% loading. The Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2026, decided 2 June 2026, awarded a 5.97% increase taking the National Minimum Wage to AUD 26.44/hour (AUD 1,004.90/week) effective 1 July 2026.
What is the average salary in Australia?
The average gross monthly salary in Australia is A$7,833 (approximately $5,497.23 USD). Average full-time ordinary time earnings. Employers also pay 12% superannuation on top of gross salary. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2025).
How many hours is the standard work week in Australia?
The standard work week in Australia is 38 hours, with a legal maximum of 38 hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Standard full-time workweek is 38 hours. Employers can request reasonable additional hours. Overtime and penalty rates vary by Modern Award.
How has the minimum wage in Australia changed over time?
The minimum wage in Australia has changed as follows: A$19.49 in 2019, A$19.84 in 2020, A$20.33 in 2021, A$21.38 in 2022, A$23.23 in 2023, A$24.10 in 2024, A$24.95 in 2025, A$26.44 in 2026. This represents 8 recorded adjustments.
What is the minimum wage in Australia in USD?
The minimum wage in Australia converts to approximately $18.56/hr in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
What is the average salary in Australia in USD?
The average gross monthly salary in Australia is approximately $5,497.23 per month in US dollars, based on current exchange rates. Actual purchasing power may differ due to local cost of living.
How does Australia's minimum wage compare to the Oceania average?
Australia's minimum wage ranks #1 out of 15 countries with statutory minimum wages in Oceania, placing it among the highest in Oceania.
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