What award covers nuclear medicine technologists?

Nuclear medicine technologists are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] if they work in the private sector. Public sector employees, such as those in NSW Health, may be covered by a state-based enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for the award, which include minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. Always check the specific award or agreement that applies to your role.

How is casual loading applied to a nuclear medicine technologist salary?

Casual employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This loading is intended to compensate for entitlements like paid leave. For example, if the base rate is $41 per hour, the casual rate would be $41 × 1.25 = $51.25 per hour. The [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page explains how to calculate it. Remember, the loading is added to the base rate, not included in the rate you type into a calculator.

What is the take-home pay for a nuclear medicine technologist earning $50 per hour?

For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week at $50 per hour, the annual gross pay is $50 × 38 × 52 = $98,800. After deducting tax (using 2026–27 rates) and the 2% Medicare levy, the approximate annual take-home pay is about $73,500. Superannuation of 12% ($11,856) is paid on top by the employer. Use the [take-home pay](/topics/take-home) tool for a personalised estimate. Note that this does not include penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice.

Understanding the nuclear medicine technologist salary: award rates, casual loading, and take-home pay

A nuclear medicine technologist salary in Australia ranges from around $41 to $57 per hour for a 38-hour week, depending on classification and experience, with super paid on top.

Introduction

If you're looking into a nuclear medicine technologist salary in Australia, you're likely comparing hourly rates, annual packages, and the impact of super and tax. This guide walks you through the key calculations, award coverage, and how to use our timesheet to convert your hourly rate into annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. We'll also distinguish between the National Minimum Wage, award rates, casual loading, and super paid on top.

How annual pay is calculated

The 38-hour week and the formula

The standard full-time week in Australia is 38 hours. To convert an hourly rate to annual gross pay, use:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For example, a nuclear medicine technologist earning $45 per hour would have an annual gross of $45 × 38 × 52 = $88,920. This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. Our hourly conversion page explains the formula in more detail.

Fortnightly pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Simply multiply the weekly amount by 2. For the example above, weekly pay is $45 × 38 = $1,710, so fortnightly gross is $3,420. This can help you budget between pay cycles.

National Minimum Wage vs award rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for ordinary hours, or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week, as set by the Fair Work Commission. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. However, most health professionals, including nuclear medicine technologists, are covered by a modern award that sets higher minimum rates.

Nuclear medicine technologist salary under the Health Professionals Award

Nuclear medicine technologists are classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027], according to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award has several classification levels (e.g., Level 1, Level 2) with corresponding minimum hourly rates. While we don't have the exact award rates here, a typical public sector job advertisement for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Level 2 in NSW Health shows an annual salary range of $82,250 to $113,302 for a 38-hour week. That equates to an hourly rate of approximately $41.62 to $57.34. Private sector rates may differ, so always check the specific pay guide for your classification.

For a full list of award rates, visit our pay guides page which links to the Fair Work Ombudsman's official documents.

Casual loading and super

Casual loading

If you work as a casual nuclear medicine technologist, you are entitled to a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. This is on top of the award rate, not included in it. For example, if the base rate is $45 per hour, the casual rate is $45 × 1.25 = $56.25 per hour. Our casual loading tool lets you toggle this loading on and off when calculating your pay.

Superannuation

Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time nuclear medicine technologist earning $45 per hour, the annual super contribution would be $45 × 38 × 52 × 0.12 = $10,670.40. This is not deducted from your gross pay; it's an additional benefit. Learn more on our super and packaging page.

Tax and take-home pay

Your take-home pay depends on your total taxable income and the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil tax 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 a 2% Medicare levy (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds). For a nuclear medicine technologist earning $98,800 annually ($50/hr × 38 × 52), the tax would be approximately $23,300 and Medicare $1,976, leaving a take-home of about $73,500. Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Summary

Whether you're comparing a nuclear medicine technologist salary offer or checking your current rate, understanding the components—base hourly rate, award classification, casual loading, super, and tax—is essential. The National Minimum Wage provides a floor, but award rates for health professionals are significantly higher. Always verify your specific award or enterprise agreement using the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides. Our reference tables include the latest tax scales and super rates to help you plan.