Minimum wage increase starts today July 1st
The Fair Work Ombudsman says employers must ensure eligible employees get their 3.5 per cent minimum wage increase from the first full pay period starting on or after today, 1 July 2025.
The new National Minimum Wage applying from today is $948 per week (based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee), or $24.95 per hour. This is an increase from the 2024-25 rates of $915.90 per week and $24.10 per hour.
Casual employees entitled to the National Minimum Wage must receive at least $31.19 per hour, which includes the 25 per cent casual loading.
The 3.5 per cent increase also applies to the minimum wage rates within awards. About 20.7 per cent of all employees in Australia are paid at the minimum wage rates in industry and occupational awards.
The FWO has updated our Pay Calculator to help employers and employees calculate the new pay rates. Information is also available on our annual wage review webpage.
The National Minimum Wage is the minimum rate for adult employees in the national system who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. It is set each year by the Fair Work Commission (a different agency to the Fair Work Ombudsman), as part of its annual wage review.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth urged employers to make sure that eligible employees receive the 3.5 per cent increase from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information, tools and support to employers to help them pay employees correctly,” Ms Booth said.
“Employers and employees can use our free Pay Calculator and pay guides to check the minimum pay rates that apply from today, or they can contact us directly for assistance.
“Employers must apply the new minimum wage immediately from the first full pay period on or after 1 July to eligible employees.
“Employers and employees can also use our Pay Calculator to check which award applies to their industry or occupations, or contact us for help.”
The minimum wage increase may also apply to employees covered by an enterprise agreement, as an employee’s base pay rate under an enterprise agreement can’t be less than their base pay rate under the relevant award or the National Minimum Wage if the employee is not covered by an award.
The Fair Work Commission announced the National Minimum Wage increase on 3 June 2025.
Minimum pay rates for award-free and agreement-free junior employees (aged 20 and under) are based on the percentages for juniors set out in the Miscellaneous Award 2020.
Pay rates for award-free and agreement-free trainees and apprentices who have a formal training contract with their employer are also based on the Miscellaneous Award 2020. There are special national minimum wages for some award-free and agreement-free employees with disability where their disability affects their productive capacity. For details see Employees with disability pay rates.
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides education, assistance and advice to employers and employees on pay and entitlements. We also promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws, inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act, and take appropriate enforcement action.
The Fair Work Commission is Australia’s workplace relations tribunal and registered organisations regulator. They review and set the minimum wage each year, make awards and enterprise agreements and help resolve issues at work.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. You can also report a workplace issue anonymously in your language.
Small businesses can find targeted resources at the Small Business Showcase.
Employees can also seek information from their employer and their union if they are a member.
