Minimum wage QLD: What you take home after tax and Medicare in 2026–27
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, which applies to all award/agreement-free employees in Queensland.
Minimum wage QLD: What it is and how much you take home
If you are earning the minimum wage in Queensland, the national minimum wage applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets this rate for all employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38-hour week). That works out to an annual salary of $52,255 before tax.
This guide explains what that means for your take-home pay after income tax and the Medicare levy, and how it compares to average earnings across Australia.
How much is the minimum wage in 2026–27?
The Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage each year. For the 2026–27 financial year, the rate is:
- Hourly: $26.44
- Weekly: $1,004.90 (38 ordinary hours)
- Annual: $52,255
This is the gross amount before any deductions. Your employer must pay at least this amount if you are award/agreement-free. If you are covered by an award, check your award’s minimum rates – they may be higher.
Your estimated take-home pay
Using the 2026–27 tax rates and the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), here is what a minimum-wage earner can expect to receive after tax and the Medicare levy:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross annual wage | $52,255 |
| Income tax (after LITO) | ~$5,981 |
| Medicare levy (full 2%) | ~$1,045 |
| Take-home pay | ~$45,229 |
| Weekly take-home | ~$869.80 |
| Fortnightly take-home | ~$1,739.60 |
Note: This is a resident estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll tax-table rounding. Not an assessment.
The Medicare levy applies at the full 2% rate because your taxable income ($52,255) exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper).
How the minimum wage compares to average earnings
The Minimum wage is the legal floor. To see where it sits, compare it to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026, seasonally adjusted):
- All employees average (including part-time): $1,579.20 per week ($82,118 annual)
- Full-time adult ordinary time earnings: $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 annual)
The minimum wage is about 48% of full-time ordinary time earnings. This gap reflects that the minimum wage is designed for entry-level and lower-skilled roles, while full-time ordinary time includes experienced professionals.
Superannuation on the minimum wage
From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee rate is 12%. Your employer must contribute this on top of your minimum wage. So your total employment cost is:
- Minimum wage: $52,255
- Super (12%): $6,270.60
- Total package: $58,525.60
Super is not deducted from your take-home pay – it goes into a super fund for your retirement. Job advertisements often state “plus super”, meaning the salary figure is before super.
What about Queensland-specific rules?
Queensland does not have its own minimum wage. The national system covers most employees in the state. However, some state-based public sector awards may have slightly different rates, but they cannot be lower than the national minimum. Always check your award or enterprise agreement for the correct rate.
For more on how tax and Medicare affect your pay, see our Take-home pay guide. You can also use the Clearance tool to estimate your net income.
Key takeaways
- The minimum wage in Queensland is the national minimum: $26.44/hour, $1,004.90/week.
- After tax and Medicare, a full-time minimum wage earner takes home about $45,229 per year.
- The Medicare levy applies in full because the wage exceeds $35,013.
- Super is additional – 12% on top from 1 July 2026.
- Compare your wage to the Benchmarks to see how it stacks up against average earnings.
Questions
Is the minimum wage in Queensland different from the national minimum wage?
No. The national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission applies across Australia, including Queensland. As of 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Some awards or enterprise agreements may set higher rates, but the national minimum is the legal floor.
How much take-home pay can I expect from the minimum wage?
On the annual minimum wage of $52,255, after income tax (including the Low Income Tax Offset) and the full 2% Medicare levy, your estimated take-home is about $45,229 per year, or $869.80 per week. This is a resident estimate only and excludes HELP/HECS, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary sacrifice.
Do I have to pay Medicare levy on the minimum wage?
Yes, if your taxable income exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013. The minimum wage of $52,255 is well above that, so you pay the full 2% Medicare levy. If your income is between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate (10 cents per dollar over the lower threshold).