Every person who works in Australia is entitled to a minimum wage. This is the minimum amount that an employer can legally pay its employees.
The minimum wage is reviewed every year and is based on the type of work you do (called award wages).
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 2024. This means if your weekly pay period starts on Wednesday, the new rates will apply from Wednesday 3 July 2024.
The National Minimum Wage applies to employees who aren’t covered by an award or registered agreement.
The Commission has announced that minimum award wages will also increase by 3.75%.
Employers in Australia must comply with ‘awards’ when paying their workers. Awards are legal documents that outline the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment across more than 100 industries and occupations.
Award rates outline how much pay a worker in a particular industry will receive. Knowing your 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.
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 Hub for student and graduate work information, and links to a wide range of translated resources on work rights and protections.