As of 1 July 2024, the national minimum wage in Australia is $24.10 per hour. This applies to all employees, including working holiday makers, unless a higher rate is specified by a modern award or enterprise agreement that applies to your industry or role. In many industries, the award rate is actually higher than the minimum wage.
How the minimum wage is set
The Fair Work Commission reviews the national minimum wage each year and announces any increase effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. The increase announced in mid-2024 applied from 1 July 2024. Future increases follow the same annual process.
Award rates and why they often apply instead
Most workers in Australia are covered by a modern award rather than just the national minimum wage. Awards set minimum pay rates for specific industries and occupations, and those rates are generally higher than the national minimum. Common awards that cover working holiday makers include the Hospitality Industry (General) Award, the Retail Award, the Horticulture Award, and the Building and Construction General On-site Award.
If you work in hospitality, your minimum rate under the award will be higher than $24.10 per hour. If you work in fruit picking, the Horticulture Award sets minimum rates for that work. Ask your employer which award applies to your role, and check that the rate you are being paid meets the minimum for that award.
Penalty rates
In many industries, working on weekends, public holidays, or outside ordinary hours attracts higher rates known as penalty rates. See our guide on penalty rates in Australia for a full explanation.
What to do if you are being paid less
If you believe you are being paid below the minimum wage or award rate for your work, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. They investigate underpayment complaints and have the power to require employers to back-pay workers who have been underpaid. Working holiday makers have the same rights in this area as any other worker in Australia.
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