How to Compare a Part-Time Job Offer Using Your Part Time Minimum Wage Take-Home Pay

Understanding the Part-Time Minimum Wage

When you're offered a part-time role, the part time minimum wage is your starting point for comparing offers. As of 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time 38-hour week, according to Fair Work Ombudsman. This rate applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. If your job is covered by an award, the award rate may be higher. For part-time workers, the same hourly rate applies, but your weekly and annual pay will be proportional to your agreed hours.

Calculating Your Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay is what reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026-27, the tax rates are progressive: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15c per dollar up to $45,000, and so on. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but you may be exempt or pay a reduced rate if your income is below the thresholds. The latest published single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is between these amounts, you pay a 10% shading rate. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%.

To estimate your net pay:

• Calculate your gross weekly pay: hours per week × $26.44.
• Multiply by 52 for annual gross.
• Subtract tax using the 2026-27 rates (including the Low Income Tax Offset if applicable).
• Subtract Medicare levy based on your income.
• The result is your annual take-home. Divide by 26 for a fortnightly amount.

For example, a part-time worker on 20 hours per week earns $528.80 gross weekly ($27,497.60 annually). This is below the lower Medicare threshold, so no Medicare levy applies. After tax (nil up to $18,200, then 15c per dollar on the next $9,297.60 = $1,394.64 tax), the take-home is about $26,102.96 annually, or $1,003.96 per fortnight. Use our Take-home pay tool for a precise estimate.

Comparing Job Offers: What to Look For

When comparing part-time job offers, look beyond the hourly rate. Consider:

• Guaranteed hours: A higher hourly rate with fewer hours may yield less total pay.
• Award vs. national minimum: Check if the role is covered by an award, which may have higher rates and penalty loadings for weekends or evenings.
• Superannuation: The minimum wage is before super. Your employer must pay 12% super on your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is not part of your take-home but is a valuable benefit.
• Salary packaging: Some employers offer salary sacrifice arrangements that can reduce your taxable income and increase take-home pay. See Salary packaging for details.

Always ask for a written offer that states the hourly rate, weekly hours, and whether super is paid on top. Then calculate your net pay using the Tax and Medicare guide. Remember, the part time minimum wage is a floor; many roles pay above it.