The Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages. This change takes effect from 1 July 2025.
What you need to know
All employees working in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage. This is the minimum amount an employee can be paid for the work that they’re doing.
Currently, the National Minimum Wage is $915.90 per week or $24.10 per hour. From 1 July 2025, this will increase to $948 per week or $24.95 per hour based on a full-time, 38-hour working week. These new rates apply to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement.
The minimum award wages will also increase by 3.5%, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. Awards are legal documents that set minimum pay rates and conditions for various industries and occupations. If you’re unsure which award applies to you, use the Find My Award tool provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
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.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
If the wage increase applies to you, your employer will automatically adjust your pay. However, to make sure everything is in order, here are some steps you can take:
- Pay and Conditions Tool (P.A.C.T): Use P.A.C.T to calculate your pay and check your entitlements.
- Awards: Visit the Awards webpage to learn more about the awards system.
- Discuss with your employer: If you have any questions or notice any discrepancies, talk to your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
How does Australia’s minimum wage compare to other countries?
Curious about how Australia’s minimum wage stacks up against other popular study destinations? Let’s take a look:
Australia
In Australia, international students can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during holidays. From 1 July 2025, the minimum wage is AU$24.95 per hour. Casual employees receive an additional 25 per cent casual loading, which is extra pay to compensate for not having benefits like paid sick leave and annual leave. The minimum wage in Australia is reviewed and typically increases annually.
USA
In the USA, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 during holidays. The federal minimum wage is USD$7.25 per hour, though many states and cities have set higher minimum wages. The federal rate has not increased since 2009.
UK
In the UK, international students can work 20 hours per week during the semester, depending on their study level. The minimum wage is £10 per hour for those aged 18-20 and £12.21 for those aged 21 and over as of April 2025.
Canada
International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off campus without a work permit. The minimum wage varies by province, with Nunavut at CAD$19.00 per hour and Saskatchewan at CAD$15.00 per hour.
