Minimum wage Australia 17 year old: what you actually take home after tax

Compare job offers by the amount that lands in your account

When you're looking for work as a 17-year-old, the headline hourly rate can be misleading. What matters is the money you actually get to spend – your take-home pay after tax and the Medicare levy. This guide explains how to estimate that figure and why the minimum wage Australia 17 year old is not a single number.

The national minimum wage is for adults

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (for a 38‑hour week). That's the legal floor for employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. But most 17‑year‑olds are covered by a modern award, which sets its own junior rates – often a percentage of the adult rate. For example, some retail awards pay a 17‑year‑old 60% of the adult rate, while hospitality awards may pay 50%. The exact percentage depends on the award and your classification.

If you search for "minimum wage australia 17 year old", you'll find that the rate varies by industry. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Minimum wage tool to look up your award and see the specific junior rates. Do not assume you are entitled to the adult national minimum wage – check your award first.

From gross pay to net pay

Once you know your hourly rate and weekly hours, you can estimate your take-home pay. For the 2026–27 tax year, the Australian Tax Office applies these resident tax rates:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil tax
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% of taxable income. However, if your income is below $28,011 (single), you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate (10c per dollar over the lower threshold). These are the latest published single‑person thresholds.

Example: adult on national minimum wage

If you work 38 hours a week at $26.44, your annual gross pay is about $52,255. After tax and the full 2% Medicare levy, your take-home pay would be roughly $41,500 – about $798 per week. But for a 17‑year‑old on a junior rate, the gross pay is lower, so less tax is withheld. Use the Clearance tool to run your own numbers.

What about super?

Employers must pay superannuation on top of your salary at 12% (from 1 July 2026). If a job ad says "$26.44 per hour plus super", the super is extra – it does not reduce your take-home pay. If the ad says "$26.44 per hour including super", that amount includes the super contribution, so your actual wage is lower. Always check whether super is quoted on top or included.

Tips for comparing job offers

• Convert to annual take-home: Multiply your weekly net pay by 52 to see the real annual income.
• Consider hours: A job with fewer hours may pay a higher rate but less total take-home.
• Check penalties: Weekend or evening shifts often attract penalty rates, which boost your gross pay.
• Know your award: Junior rates may increase when you turn 18 or after a certain period. Factor that into your decision.
• Use the Take-home pay guide: It walks you through the calculation step by step.

The bottom line

The minimum wage Australia 17 year old is not a fixed number – it depends on your award, classification, and hours. To compare offers, always estimate the amount that reaches your bank account after tax and Medicare. That's the number that pays your bills.