Australia is known for having one of the highest minimum wages globally, and the national minimum wage is reviewed and set annually by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The minimum wage applies to all employees not covered by an award or registered agreement, ensuring fair compensation for work across industries. In this article, we’ll explore the current minimum wage, regional variations, industry-specific wages, and international comparisons, all with reference to official government sources.
Current Minimum Wage in Australia (2024)
As of July 1, 2024, the national minimum wage is AUD 23.23 per hour or AUD 882.80 per week for full-time employees working a standard 38-hour week before tax. This wage is set by the Fair Work Commission after annual reviews considering factors such as inflation, employment rates, and the cost of living.
For more details, visit the Fair Work Commission website on minimum wage.
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Minimum Wage by State and Territory (2024)
While the national minimum wage applies across all of Australia, slight variations may occur due to regional industrial agreements. Below is the breakdown of minimum wage rates across the states and territories.
| Region | Hourly Wage (AUD) | Weekly Wage (AUD) (38 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 23.23 | 882.80 |
| Victoria | 23.23 | 882.80 |
| Queensland | 23.23 | 882.80 |
| South Australia | 23.23 | 882.80 |
| Western Australia | 23.50 | 893.00 |
| Tasmania | 23.23 | 882.80 |
| Northern Territory | 23.23 | 882.80 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 23.23 | 882.80 |
Wage Adjustments Over the Years
Australia’s minimum wage has steadily increased over the years, reflecting economic conditions and inflation. Here’s a look at how the wage has evolved from 2020 to 2024.
| Year | Hourly Wage (AUD) | Weekly Wage (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 19.84 | 753.80 |
| 2021 | 20.33 | 772.60 |
| 2022 | 21.38 | 812.60 |
| 2023 | 22.33 | 846.60 |
| 2024 | 23.23 | 882.80 |
Wage Increase Breakdown by Year
| Year | Wage Increase (AUD/hour) | Wage Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0.39 | 2.00% |
| 2021 | 0.49 | 2.50% |
| 2022 | 1.05 | 5.16% |
| 2023 | 0.95 | 4.44% |
| 2024 | 0.90 | 4.03% |
For more information on past wage reviews, check out the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review page.
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Industry-Specific Minimum Wages
While the national minimum wage sets the baseline, different industries may have higher minimum wage requirements based on modern awards or enterprise agreements. Below are examples of industry-specific wages across regions.
| Industry | Hourly Wage (AUD) | Weekly Wage (AUD) (38 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | 23.10 | 878.20 |
| Retail | 23.85 | 906.30 |
| Construction | 25.50 | 970.00 |
| Aged Care | 24.95 | 946.10 |
Regional Wage Comparisons
Different states and territories may have slightly varied wages due to specific agreements or awards in place. Here’s how the wages differ across sectors in major Australian regions.
| Region | Hospitality Wage (AUD/hour) | Retail Wage (AUD/hour) | Construction Wage (AUD/hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 23.10 | 23.85 | 25.50 |
| Victoria | 23.15 | 23.90 | 25.55 |
| Queensland | 23.05 | 23.80 | 25.45 |
| Western Australia | 23.50 | 24.00 | 25.80 |
| South Australia | 23.10 | 23.85 | 25.50 |
| Tasmania | 23.00 | 23.75 | 25.40 |
You can learn more about specific industry wages on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.
How Does Australia’s Minimum Wage Compare Internationally?
Australia’s minimum wage is among the highest globally, ensuring workers receive fair compensation. Below is a comparison of Australia’s minimum wage with that of other countries.
| Country | Hourly Minimum Wage (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Australia | 23.23 |
| United States | 12.27 |
| United Kingdom | 17.25 |
| Germany | 17.00 |
| New Zealand | 22.70 |
Australia’s minimum wage ensures that all workers are fairly compensated, with regular reviews reflecting the economic landscape. Whether you’re an employee or employer, staying informed about the minimum wage in your region is crucial. With one of the highest minimum wages globally, Australia continues to be a leader in worker protection.
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