What is the minimum hourly rate for a cardiac physiologist under the award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a cardiac physiologist classified at Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification and in their first year earns $32.44 per hour. This rate increases with experience: $34.44 per hour for 2nd–3rd year, $37.53 for 4th–6th year, and $40.56 for 7th year and above. These rates apply from 1 July 2026 after the 4.75% annual wage review increase.

How is superannuation calculated for a cardiac physiologist?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at the super guarantee rate of 12% (from 1 July 2026). For a cardiac physiologist earning $32.44 per hour for 38 hours a week, that’s $1,232.70 per week. Super adds $147.92 per week, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your hourly rate; it’s an additional contribution by your employer.

What is the casual loading for a cardiac physiologist?

Casual cardiac physiologists receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 first-year employee, that’s $32.44 × 1.25 = $40.55 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements casuals don’t receive, such as paid leave. When using our timesheet, check the casual loading box to add 25% to your base rate – do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

Cardiac Physiologist Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Take-Home Pay

A cardiac physiologist at Health Professional Level 1 (AQF Level 5, 1st year) earns $32.44 per hour under the award, or $1,232.70 per week for 38 ordinary hours.

Understanding the Cardiac Physiologist Salary

If you’re exploring a cardiac physiologist salary in Australia, the starting point is the modern award that covers your role. Cardiac physiologists are health professionals, and their minimum pay is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award provides a clear structure of hourly and weekly rates based on your qualification level and years of experience.

Award Rates for Cardiac Physiologists

Under the award, a cardiac physiologist at Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification earns:

1st year: $32.44 per hour / $1,232.70 per week
2nd–3rd year: $34.44 per hour / $1,308.80 per week
4th–6th year: $37.53 per hour / $1,426.00 per week
7th year+: $40.56 per hour / $1,541.30 per week

These rates apply from 1 July 2026, following the 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review. The Fair Work Commission publishes these figures in the Modern Awards Pay Database, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for easy reference.

How to Calculate Your Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a cardiac physiologist working 38 ordinary hours per week at the 1st-year rate:

$32.44 × 38 × 52 = $64,101.44 per year

This assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work part-time, adjust the hours accordingly. For example, 30 hours per week gives $32.44 × 30 × 52 = $50,606.40.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Multiply your weekly pay by 2:

$1,232.70 × 2 = $2,465.40 per fortnight (before tax and super).

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Award rates for cardiac physiologists are higher because they reflect the skill and qualifications required. The award rate for a 1st-year cardiac physiologist ($32.44) is about 23% above the national minimum.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual cardiac physiologist, you receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a 1st-year employee:

$32.44 × 1.25 = $40.55 per hour

This loading is instead of paid leave and other entitlements. When using our timesheet to calculate your pay, check the casual loading box – never enter a rate that already includes the loading.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Your employer must pay superannuation at the super guarantee rate of 12% of your ordinary earnings. This is on top of your gross pay, not deducted from it. For a full-time cardiac physiologist earning $64,101.44 per year, super adds $7,692.17, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Learn more about super and packaging.

Tax on Your Cardiac Physiologist Salary

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a $64,101 annual salary, the estimated tax is about $8,800 plus Medicare, leaving take-home pay around $53,000. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed breakdown.

Comparing to Average Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. A cardiac physiologist at the 1st-year rate ($1,232.70 per week) is below that average, but with experience and progression to higher levels, earnings can reach $1,541.30 per week or more. See our average pay page for context.

Using Our Timesheet

Our timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and choose whether to add casual loading. It calculates annual gross pay, super, and estimated tax. Remember: the result assumes 38 hours per week, no overtime, and no salary sacrifice. For accurate award rates, always check the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Key Takeaways

The cardiac physiologist salary under the award starts at $32.44 per hour for a Level 1 first-year employee.
Annual pay = hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks.
Casual loading adds 25% on top of the base rate.
Super is 12% paid by your employer, not deducted from your pay.
Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident scale plus Medicare.

For more details on minimum rates, visit our minimum wage page. If you’re comparing job offers, the job pay page can help you evaluate total remuneration.