What is the minimum wage in NSW? Your take-home pay explained
The national minimum wage applies in NSW: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week.
What is the minimum wage in NSW?
If you're asking what is minimum wage in NSW, the answer is the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. As of 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This applies to all employees in New South Wales who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. Most workers in NSW are covered by an award, which may set higher minimum rates. Check your award using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator.
How your minimum wage becomes take-home pay
Your gross pay is what you earn before deductions. For a full-time worker on the national minimum wage, your annual salary is about $52,255. From that, you pay:
- Income tax using the 2026–27 tax brackets
- Medicare levy at 2% (full rate for incomes above $35,013)
- No super – super is paid on top by your employer
Your take-home pay is what lands in your bank account each fortnight. Here's how the numbers stack up.
Fortnightly breakdown for a minimum wage earner
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross fortnightly pay (38 hours × $26.44 × 2) | $2,009.80 |
| Income tax (estimated) | $287 |
| Medicare levy (2%) | $40 |
| Low Income Tax Offset (applied) | –$27 |
| Net take-home pay | ~$1,590 |
This is an estimate. Your actual tax may differ due to rounding, HELP/HECS repayments, or the Medicare levy surcharge if you don't have private hospital cover.
What changes your fortnightly amount?
Three main factors shift your take-home pay from the gross figure:
1. Tax brackets
The tax-free threshold is $18,200. Above that, you pay 15 cents for every dollar up to $45,000, then 30 cents up to $135,000. A minimum wage earner stays in the 15% bracket, but the Low Income Tax Offset reduces the effective rate.
2. Medicare levy
Everyone pays 2% unless their income is below $28,011 (single). Between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a tapered rate. At the minimum wage, you pay the full 2%.
3. Superannuation
Your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings into super. That's an extra $6,271 per year on top of your $52,255 salary, but it's not part of your take-home pay. Super goes into a fund you can access only at retirement.
Using our tools
To see your exact take-home pay, use the Clearance tool. It applies the latest tax rates, Medicare thresholds, and the Low Income Tax Offset. For more on how pay is structured, visit Take-home pay and Tax and Medicare.
What if you're covered by an award?
Most NSW employees are covered by an award. Award minimum wages are generally higher than the national minimum wage. For example, the lowest award rate must be at least $26.44 per hour, but many are above that. Check your award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. The national minimum wage only applies if you have no award or agreement.
Summary
The minimum wage in NSW is the national minimum wage: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. After tax and Medicare, a full-time worker takes home about $1,590 per fortnight. Super is extra and not in your pocket. Use our Minimum wage guide for more details.
Questions
How much is the minimum wage in NSW after tax?
For a full-time worker on the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 annualised), your fortnightly take-home pay after income tax and the Medicare levy is approximately $1,590. This estimate uses the 2026–27 tax rates, the full $700 Low Income Tax Offset, and the 2% Medicare levy. Your actual amount depends on your exact circumstances.
Does the minimum wage in NSW include superannuation?
No. The minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is before super. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary earnings, which goes into your super fund, not your bank account. Job advertisements often quote a salary 'plus super'.
What is the Medicare levy on the minimum wage?
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For a full-time minimum wage earner, that's about $1,045 per year. The levy applies in full because your income is above the single threshold of $35,013. If you earn below $28,011, you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate.