Minimum Wage in WA: State System vs National Awards
There are two industrial relations systems in Western Australia, so there is no single minimum wage that applies to every worker. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 an hour and the WA State Minimum Wage for an award-free adult is $26.27. Before comparing casual jobs in Perth, identify the employer's system and the award or agreement covering the job.
Last fact-checked: 27 August 2026. Fees, wage rates and regulatory requirements can change. Follow the linked government source before paying or applying.
2026 minimum wage comparison
National permanent $26.44
WA state permanent $26.27
National casual $33.05
WA state casual $32.84
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman and WA Government. These headline rates apply to adult award-free employees in their respective systems; many employees have a higher award or agreement rate.
| System | Weekly rate (38 hours) | Hourly | Casual incl. 25% loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | $1,004.90 | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| WA state | $998.30 | $26.27 | $32.84 |
Which system covers you?
Most incorporated private-sector employers—businesses operating through a Pty Ltd company, for example—are in the national Fair Work system. WA's state system generally covers sole traders, unincorporated partnerships, unincorporated trusts and some non-trading or non-financial incorporated associations. State public-sector and local-government arrangements require separate checking.
The legal form of the employer matters more than the employee's suburb. Two people doing similar work in Perth can be in different systems because one employer is a company and the other is a sole trader.
The headline minimum is often not your actual minimum
The National Minimum Wage primarily applies to national-system employees who are not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Commission says it has very limited practical operation. Around 21.1% of Australian employees—almost 2.8 million people—were directly affected by modern-award minimum rates in the 2026 review.
Modern awards and WA awards set classifications, minimum rates and conditions for particular industries or occupations. Depending on the job, your lawful rate may include:
- a classification rate above the general minimum;
- casual loading;
- evening, weekend or public-holiday penalties;
- overtime after specified hours;
- meal, travel, tool, laundry or other allowances;
- junior, apprentice or trainee provisions.
What changed in 2026?
The WA Industrial Relations Commission increased the State Minimum Wage and WA award wages by 4.75%. It estimated that about 27,000 employers and more than 300,000 employees were affected by the state decision. The Fair Work Commission also applied a 4.75% principal increase to national modern-award minimums, with a structural adjustment for the lowest-paid classifications.
How to check the right rate
- Find the employer's legal name and entity type on your contract or payslip.
- Use WA Government's “which system applies” guidance or contact Wageline if it appears to be a state-system employer.
- For the national system, identify the modern award and classification with the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool.
- Check the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026—the increase may not start part-way through an earlier pay period.
- Compare hours, loadings, penalties, allowances and superannuation, not only the base hourly number.
This is particularly important for part-time jobs in Perth, where guaranteed ordinary hours and leave differ from casual arrangements. Browse the site's Perth salary guides for market context, but use the government calculators for legal entitlements.
Common mistakes
- “Cash in hand means no minimum wage.” Payment method does not remove minimum entitlements or record-keeping duties.
- “A salary absorbs everything.” An annual salary still has to satisfy the applicable award or agreement across the hours worked.
- “All casuals get only 25% more.” The casual loading is only one part of the calculation; penalties and award rules may also apply.
- “WA's rate covers everyone in WA.” Most private-sector corporate employers are in the national system.
Sources
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Minimum wage increase from 1 July 2026.
- Fair Work Commission: Annual Wage Review Decision 2026.
- WA Government: Minimum pay rates for award-free employees.
- WA Industrial Relations Commission: 2026 State Wage Case.
- WA Government: Which system of employment law applies.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Use Fair Work or Wageline for an individual entitlement calculation.