The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision.
From 1 July 2026 minimum wages in modern awards increase by 4.75%.
Also, the lowest classification level (level C13) will be phased out of modern awards, so that ongoing employees paid at that level will have a more significant increase than other award-covered employees.
The national minimum wage increases by 6% to $1004.90 per week ($26.44 an hour) from 1 July 2026.
The increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. This means if your weekly pay period starts on Thursday, the new rates will apply from Thursday, 2 July 2026.
Recommended Actions
Some recommended actions are to:
- Check wage increases for employees to ensure that wages are still compliant after 1 July 2026, and
- Review annualised salaries for compliance.
More information about the increases and when they take effect is available here.
At WorkLegal our experienced team can answer your questions and put you on the right track. A range of fixed-price Initial Consultations will suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.