Every person who works in Australia is entitled to minimum wages. These are the minimum amounts that an employer can legally pay employees. The National Minimum Wage and minimum pay rates under ‘awards’ are reviewed each year.
Minium wage amounts are worked out based on the type of work you do. Different jobs have different sets of rules called ‘awards’ that explain how much workers should be paid and their work conditions.
Awards cover more than 100 different industries and occupations. This means that award wages (minimum pay rates) apply to most jobs in Australia. These are reviewed each year by the Australian Government’s Fair Work Commission.
The Commission has announced that minimum award wages will increase by 3.5% on 1 July 2025.
Knowing your award and pay entitlements will help you ensure that you are receiving the correct wage. If you’re not sure which award applies to you, use Find my award.
If your job is not covered by an ‘award’ or a registered agreement, the National Minimum Wage applies. This makes sure that every worker in Australia is paid at least a set minimum amount per hour. This amount is also reviewed every year.
This year, the Australian Government’s Fair Work Commission has announced an increase in the national minimum wage.
The new National Minimum Wage will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. This means if your weekly pay period starts on Wednesday, the new rates will apply from Wednesday 2 July 2025.
As an international student, you are protected by Australia's workplace laws. If you are paid less than the minimum wage, you will not be in trouble if you inform the Fair Work Ombudsmen.
Please visit the Study Australia Work in Australia pages for student and graduate work information, and links to a wide range of translated resources on work rights and protections.