How much should I be getting paid?

How much should you be getting paid? We help you get to the bottom of it.

There’s more to salary than just what ends up in your bank account each week. It can be a tricky subject to raise with your employer (particularly if you’re new to the workforce) but it pays to know what you’re owed.

Here are five helpful things to know when it comes to salary:

1.  Minimum wage 

A minimum wage is the lowest wage you can legally be paid for work and it's set by Australian law.

If you’re full time or part time, your national minimum wage is $18.93 per hour (or $719.20 per week).

2.  Minimum wage for casuals 

If you’re casual, you get a little more (25% more in fact), which comes to $23.66 per hour. This is called ‘casual loading’ and is paid because you don’t get sick leave or annual leave.

3. Award or Enterprise Agreement 

This is a document that tells you what you should be getting paid. Remember, if you’re over 21 you should be getting paid at least $18.29 per hour, or $22.86 for casuals. If an agreement doesn’t apply to the work you’re doing, these rates will still apply to you. Ask your employer for a copy of your agreement. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, ask your MAX consultant to chat to your employer for you. 

4. Under 21s 

For all juniors (that is, under 21 years), a Special National Minimum Wage will apply to you. Check out the jobactive Minimum Wages Fact Sheet to see what yours is.

5. Handy links

Want more info? Check out these links:

• jobactive Minimum Wages Fact Sheet: A handy print-out to check what your minimum wage should be. Includes a table of the 2016-17 minimum wage rates by age
• Award Rate Pay Calculator: The FairWork Australia Pay Calculator calculates your base pay rates, allowances and penalty rates (including overtime)
• Full List of Pay Guides: Browse the full list of pay guides to access the one that applies to you. The pay guides have minimum pay rates for full-time, part-time and casual employees in an award.