Minimum wage Australia 16 year old: what actually lands in your bank account

What is the minimum wage for a 16-year-old in Australia?

If you are 16 and starting your first job, you might be wondering what you will actually earn. The phrase minimum wage australia 16 year old is a common search, but the answer is not a single number. The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week (based on 38 ordinary hours). However, junior employees (under 21) are paid a percentage of that adult rate. The Fair Work Commission sets a special minimum wage for juniors, and the exact percentage depends on your age. For example, some awards may set a 50% rate for 16-year-olds, but you must check your specific award or the Fair Work Commission's special minimum wage for juniors. Always use the Pay and Conditions Tool on the Fair Work Ombudsman to find your correct rate.

Gross salary vs total package and super

A common mix-up is between gross salary, total package and take-home. When you see a job ad that says 'salary $26.44 per hour' or '$1,004.90 per week' that is the gross amount before tax. Superannuation is 12% from 12% from 1 July 2026. That means the employer contributes 12% on top of that gross figure. Super is not deducted from your take-home pay; it is an extra cost for the employer. If the ad says '$50,000 plus super, your gross pay is $50,000, and super is extra. If it says 'total package', super is included in that number. Always check the wording to avoid confusion.

How much tax and Medicare will you take home?

Your take-home pay is what reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. But if your taxable income is below $28,000, you may not pay the full 2% Medicare levy. The latest published single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced Medicare levy (10 cents per dollar over $28,011). For a 16-year-old on a junior rate, your taxable income may be below $28,011, so you pay no Medicare levy. Tax rates for 2026–27: first $18,200 tax-free, then 15c per dollar over $18,200 up to $45,000. You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) which can reduce your tax to zero.

Example take-home calculation for a 16-year-old on junior rate

Assume a 16-year-old works 38 hours per week at 50% of adult minimum wage = $13.22 per hour. Weekly gross = $502.45, annual gross = $26,000. Tax on $26,000: $18,200 tax-free, then 15c per dollar over = $1,170 tax. LITO: maximum $700 at $37,500, then 5c per dollar over $45,000 until $45,000. LITO reduces tax to $470. No Medicare levy because income below $28,011. Net take-home = $25,530 per year, about $981 per week. Use our Take-home pay guide for a precise estimate.

Key points to remember

• The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week.
• For a 16-year-old, the rate is a percentage set by the Fair Work Commission.
• Super is 12% on top of your gross salary, not deducted from your take-home.
• Medicare levy only applies if your taxable income is over $28,011.
• Always check your award or agreement for your exact minimum wage.

For more details, see our Minimum wage and Tax and Medicare guides.