Vet Salary Australia: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Annual Pay Guide
A veterinary surgeon Level 1A earns $34.20 per hour under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award, giving an annual salary of about $67,582 for 38 hours per week.
Understanding Vet Salary Australia
If you are looking up vet salary Australia, the key reference is the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118). This award sets minimum pay for veterinary surgeons, nurses, receptionists, and other animal care workers. The rates are updated each year following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review. The figures below apply from 1 July 2026.
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. However, most veterinary surgeons are covered by the award, which has higher minimums. For example, a Veterinary Surgeon Level 1A starts at $34.20 per hour. The award also defines levels based on experience and responsibility:
- Level 1A: $34.20 per hour
- Level 1B: $36.08 per hour
- Level 2: $38.98 per hour
- Level 3: $42.83 per hour
- Level 4: $48.38 per hour
These rates are for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate, as per clause 11 of the award.
How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate
To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula:
Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks
For a full-time veterinary surgeon, the standard is 38 ordinary hours per week (clause 13 of the award). So for Level 1A:
$34.20 × 38 × 52 = $67,579.20
The award rounds this to an annual salary of $67,582. For other levels, the same calculation applies. For example, Level 4: $48.38 × 38 × 52 = $95,598.88 (award states $95,593).
If you are part-time, multiply your agreed weekly hours by 52. For casuals, the hourly rate including loading is used, but remember casuals do not receive paid leave.
Fortnightly Pay
Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the Level 1A example:
Weekly: $34.20 × 38 = $1,299.60 Fortnightly: $1,299.60 × 2 = $2,599.20
This is before tax and any deductions.
Casual Loading
Casual employees under the award get a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave or other entitlements. For a Level 1A vet, the casual rate is:
$34.20 × 1.25 = $42.75 per hour
When using an hourly conversion tool, enter the base rate without loading, then tick the casual loading checkbox if applicable. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.
Superannuation Paid on Top
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is paid on top of your gross salary, not deducted from it. For a Level 1A vet earning $67,582, the super contribution would be:
$67,582 × 12% = $8,109.84
Super is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. If your ordinary earnings exceed that, super only applies up to the cap. See super and packaging for more details.
Tax Considerations
Your gross annual pay is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:
- 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 a Medicare levy of 2% (may be reduced for low-income earners). The tax-free threshold is included. For a Level 1A vet earning $67,582, the tax estimate (excluding Medicare) would be approximately:
$18,200 × 0% = $0 $26,800 × 15% = $4,020 $22,582 × 30% = $6,774.60 Total tax: $10,794.60
Add Medicare: $67,582 × 2% = $1,351.64 Total tax and Medicare: $12,146.24
This is a rough estimate. Use the take-home pay tool for a more precise calculation.
Why the Award Matters for Vet Salary Australia
The award ensures minimum standards for pay, hours, and conditions. If you are negotiating a vet salary Australia, check the award classification that matches your role. Employers cannot pay less than the award rate. Many vets earn above the award, but the award is the legal floor.
For other roles in the animal care industry, such as veterinary nurses or receptionists, the award sets different rates. For example, a Level 1 veterinary nurse earns $26.44 per hour (same as the National Minimum Wage), while a Level 4 nurse earns $32.13 per hour.
Using the Timesheet Calculator
Our timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add casual loading. It calculates weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and annual pay based on 38 hours per week. You can also see estimated tax and super. Remember, the annual figure assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime or penalty rates.
Summary
- Vet salary Australia under the award: Level 1A $34.20/hr, annual $67,582.
- Casual loading adds 25%.
- Super is 12% on top.
- Tax and Medicare apply to gross pay.
- Always check the latest award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman or Fair Work Commission.
For more details on minimum wage, see the minimum wage page. For average earnings comparisons, visit average pay.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.