Wage Calculator Hub

As of July 1, 2025, the national minimum wage is $24.95 per hour or $948.00 per week (based on 38 hours). This is a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making their minimum $31.19 per hour.

Working Holiday Makers (visa 417 & 462) pay a flat 15% tax rate on the first $45,000 of income when working for a registered WHM employer. Income above $45,000 is taxed at 30%. Unlike Australian residents, WHMs do not get the tax-free threshold.

Superannuation (super) is a compulsory retirement savings paid by your employer ON TOP of your wages. From July 1, 2025, the rate is 12% of your ordinary earnings. For example, if you earn $1,000/week, your employer must pay an additional $120 into your super fund.

Yes, you can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) after your visa expires and you leave Australia. However, a 65% tax rate applies to WHM DASP claims. You should apply within 6 months of leaving to avoid your super being transferred to the ATO.

Penalty rates are higher pay rates for working evenings, weekends, or public holidays. For example: Saturday work is typically 125-150%, Sunday 150-175%, and public holidays 225-250% of your base rate. Rates vary by industry - check your specific Award.

Casual loading is an additional 25% paid to casual employees instead of entitlements like annual leave, sick leave, and job security. You're casual if you don't have guaranteed hours and can refuse shifts. The loading is paid on top of your base rate AND penalty rates.

Underpayment is illegal in Australia. First, check your payslips and keep records. Contact Fair Work Australia (13 13 94) for free advice. You can lodge a complaint online at fairwork.gov.au. The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate and recover unpaid wages going back 6 years.

Permanent (full-time/part-time) employees get guaranteed hours, paid leave (annual, sick, parental), notice of termination, and redundancy pay. Casual employees get 25% loading instead but no guaranteed hours or paid leave. After 12 months of regular work, casuals may request conversion to permanent.

Use the Fair Work Pay Calculator at calculate.fairwork.gov.au to check your Award rates. Compare with your payslips. Your payslip must show: gross pay, deductions, net pay, superannuation, hours worked, and hourly rate. Keep all payslips as evidence.

If your employer isn't registered with the ATO as a Working Holiday Maker employer, they must withhold tax at 30% instead of 15%. This can significantly reduce your take-home pay. Ask your employer to register, or you may be able to claim back overtaxed amounts when lodging your tax return.