What is the minimum wage in NSW and how much reaches your bank account?

What is the minimum wage in NSW?

If you are looking for a job or comparing offers in New South Wales, the first question is often what is the minimum wage in NSW. The answer is straightforward: the minimum wage in NSW is the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. It applies to all employees in the national system who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week based on 38 ordinary hours. Casual employees receive at least $33.05 per hour (including the 25% casual loading).

Most workers in NSW are covered by an industry or occupation award, which sets higher minimum pay rates. For example, the Hospitality Award or the General Retail Award have their own minimums that are often above the national minimum. You can check your award using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator. The national minimum wage is the floor – your employer cannot pay you less.

How to compare a job offer using take-home pay

When you see a salary in a job advertisement, it is almost always the gross amount – before tax, the Medicare levy, and any other deductions. To understand what actually reaches your bank account, you need to estimate your take-home pay. This is especially important when comparing offers that may have different base rates or include superannuation differently.

Step 1: Know your gross annual salary

For a full-time employee on the national minimum wage, the annualised figure is $52,255 (38 hours × 52 weeks × $26.44). If you are on an award rate, use that hourly rate instead.

Step 2: Deduct income tax

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

• First $18,200: tax-free
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15 cents per dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30 cents per dollar over $45,000

For $52,255:

• Tax on $18,201–$45,000: ($45,000 – $18,200) × 0.15 = $4,020
• Tax on $45,001–$52,255: ($52,255 – $45,000) × 0.30 = $2,176.50
• Gross tax: $4,020 + $2,176.50 = $6,196.50

Then apply the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). For 2026–27, the maximum LITO is $700, reducing by 5 cents per dollar between $37,500 and $45,000, then by 1.5 cents per dollar from $45,001 to $66,667. At $52,255, LITO is about $216. So tax after offset is $6,196.50 – $216 = $5,980.50.

Step 3: Add the Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. The latest published single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If you earn above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. For $52,255, that is $1,045.10. (If your income is between the thresholds, you pay a reduced rate.)

Step 4: Calculate take-home pay

Total deductions: $5,980.50 (tax) + $1,045.10 (Medicare) = $7,025.60.

Take-home annual: $52,255 – $7,025.60 = $45,229.40.

That works out to:

• $869.80 per week
• $1,739.60 per fortnight

This is an estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. It is not a tax assessment.

What about superannuation?

Superannuation is not deducted from your take-home pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% on ordinary time earnings up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. Your employer must pay this into your super fund on top of your salary. When comparing job offers, check whether the advertised salary is plus super (the employer adds super on top) or including super (the total package includes super, meaning your base salary is lower).

Using our tools

You can get a personalised estimate using the Take-home pay calculator on this site. For more on the minimum wage itself, see our Minimum wage guide. If you are comparing multiple offers, the Clearance tool can help you see the net difference after tax.

Remember: the minimum wage is a floor

Your actual pay may be higher if you are covered by an award, an enterprise agreement, or if you negotiate a higher rate. Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman website for the correct award covering your job. The national minimum wage is reviewed each year, usually effective from 1 July.