What is the minimum wage in Victoria? Your take-home pay guide for 2026–27

What is the minimum wage in Victoria?

If you are working in Victoria and wondering what is the minimum wage in Victoria, the answer is straightforward: Victoria follows the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee working 38 hours a week. This figure comes directly from Fair Work and applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement.

Award-covered employees may be entitled to higher rates, including penalty rates and allowances. Always check your specific award using the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool.

Annual salary on the minimum wage

If you work 38 hours a week for 52 weeks, your annual salary at the minimum wage is:

$26.44 × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $52,255

This is the gross amount before any deductions. Your employer must also pay superannuation of 12% on top of this, but that is not deducted from your pay.

What changes your fortnightly take-home pay

Your take-home pay – the amount that reaches your bank account – depends on three main factors: income tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). Super does not reduce your take-home because it is paid separately by your employer.

Income tax on the minimum wage

For the 2026–27 tax year, the tax brackets are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000

On $52,255, your tax is:

• First $18,200: $0
• Next $26,800 (from $18,201 to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
• Remaining $7,255 (from $45,001 to $52,255): 30% = $2,176.50
• Total tax before offsets: $6,196.50

Low Income Tax Offset (LITO)

LITO reduces your tax. For 2026–27, the maximum offset is $700 for taxable incomes up to $37,500. It then reduces by 5c per dollar until $45,000, and further reduces by 1.5c per dollar until $66,667. On $52,255, your LITO is:

• $700 – (($45,000 – $37,500) × 0.05) – (($52,255 – $45,000) × 0.015) = $700 – $375 – $108.83 = $216.17

So your net tax becomes $6,196.50 – $216.17 = $5,980.33.

Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, with no full exemption at this income level. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. Full-time minimum wage earners pay the full 2% because $52,255 is well above the upper threshold. Your Medicare levy is:

$52,255 × 2% = $1,045.10

Total deductions and take-home pay

Total tax and Medicare: $5,980.33 + $1,045.10 = $7,025.43 per year.

Annual take-home pay: $52,255 – $7,025.43 = $45,229.57.

Fortnightly take-home (26 fortnights): $1,739.60.

But wait – this is before any other deductions like HELP/HECS or salary sacrifice. If you have no other deductions, this is your approximate bank deposit each fortnight.

Why super doesn't change your take-home

Your employer must pay super of 12% on your ordinary time earnings. For the minimum wage, that is an extra $6,270.60 per year paid into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional cost to your employer. Job ads often quote a salary "plus super", meaning the super is on top. Your take-home is based on the base salary.

Award rates may be higher

Many industries in Victoria have awards that set minimum rates above the national minimum wage. For example, hospitality, retail, and health care awards often have higher base rates plus penalty rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Always check your award to ensure you are being paid correctly.

Summary

The minimum wage in Victoria is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour. Your fortnightly take-home after tax and Medicare is around $1,740, assuming no other deductions. Super is extra and does not reduce your pay. For a detailed breakdown of your own situation, use the Take-home pay calculator or read more about Tax and Medicare.