What is the minimum wage for a pathology worker?

Pathology workers are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification and level. As of 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour for adults, but award rates are often higher. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides for the specific classification that applies to your role.

How is casual loading applied to a pathology salary?

Casual employees under the Health Professionals Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, if the base rate is $26.44, the casual rate becomes $33.05 per hour. Our timesheet tool has a checkbox to add this loading automatically – never type a rate that already includes casual loading.

How is superannuation calculated on a pathology salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026) up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time pathology worker earning $55,000 per year, super would be an additional $6,600. The super guarantee is not deducted from your pay – it is paid separately by your employer.

Understanding Your Pathology Salary: Hourly to Annual Pay Calculator

For a pathology salary under the Health Professionals Award, the minimum hourly rate is set by the Fair Work Commission, and annual pay is calculated as hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks, with super paid on top.

How to Calculate Your Annual Pathology Salary

If you're researching a pathology salary, you'll want to know how your hourly rate translates into annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay. This guide explains the process using the standard 38-hour week, award rates from the Fair Work Commission, and the 2026–27 tax and super rules.

The Basic Formula

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks.

We assume a 38-hour week for full-time employees, as this is the standard under most modern awards. For part-time or casual workers, use your actual weekly hours. The formula gives a consistent annual figure before tax, Medicare, and super.

For example, if your hourly rate is $30.00:

Weekly: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly: $1,140.00 × 2 = $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual: $30.00 × 38 × 38 = $59,280.00

This method assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Use our timesheet to enter your base hourly rate and see the breakdown.

Award Rates and the Pathology Salary

Pathology employees are generally covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] or the Medical Practitioners Award [MA000031]. The Fair Work Commission publishes minimum rates in the Modern Awards Pay Database, updated after each Annual Wage Review. The 2026 data includes amendments from the Annual Wage Review 2026.

For a pathology salary, the minimum hourly rate depends on your classification (e.g., Health Professional Level 1, 2, etc.). The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that list the exact rates for each level. Always check the pay guide that applies to your job, as award rates are higher than the National Minimum Wage.

National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the minimum casual rate $33.05 per hour. However, most pathology workers are covered by an award that sets a higher minimum. The award rate is the legal minimum you must be paid.

Casual Loading

If you are a casual employee, your hourly rate includes a 25% loading to compensate for not receiving paid leave. Our timesheet has a checkbox to add this loading on top of your base rate. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading – the tool will calculate it correctly.

Tax and Medicare on Your Pathology Salary

Once you have your annual gross pay, you need to estimate tax and the Medicare levy. The 2026–27 resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 + 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 + 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,370 + 45% of excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. For a full-time pathology salary of $60,000, tax would be approximately $4,020 + 30% of ($60,000 – $45,000) = $8,520, plus Medicare of $1,200, total $9,720. Your take-home pay would be $50,280 per year, or $967.69 per week.

Use our take-home pay page for a more detailed breakdown.

Super Guarantee

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a pathology salary of $60,000, super would be $7,200 per year. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an additional contribution from your employer. See our super and packaging page for more.

Putting It All Together

To estimate your annual pathology salary:

Find your award classification and minimum hourly rate from the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides.
Multiply by your weekly hours (usually 38 for full-time) and by 52.
Add casual loading if applicable (25% on top).
Deduct estimated tax and Medicare using the 2026–27 rates.
Remember super is paid on top, not deducted.

Our hourly conversion tool can help you switch between hourly, weekly, and annual figures. For a quick estimate, use the timesheet on our home page.

Important Notes

This calculation assumes no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice.
The Medicare levy surcharge and HELP repayments are not included.
Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, and stops at the maximum contribution base.
Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or your award for exact entitlements.

For more information on minimum wages, visit our minimum wage page. For average earnings data, see average pay.