What is the minimum hourly rate for a veterinary nurse under the award?

Under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a veterinary nurse at introductory level is $25.74, and at Level 1 it is $26.44 (from 1 July 2026). Rates increase with higher classification levels, up to Level 4 at $32.13 per hour. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of these rates.

How do I calculate the annual salary for a veterinary nurse?

To estimate annual gross pay, multiply the hourly rate by 38 hours per week and then by 52 weeks. For example, a Level 1 veterinary nurse at $26.44 per hour: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,245.44 per year. This assumes a full-time 38-hour week with no unpaid overtime or penalty rates. Fortnightly pay is weekly pay multiplied by 2.

Does superannuation apply to a veterinary nurse salary?

Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary earnings on top of the base salary. For a Level 1 veterinary nurse earning $52,245.44 annually, the super contribution would be about $6,269.45, paid into a fund such as AustralianSuper. Super is not deducted from the employee’s pay; it is an additional cost to the employer.

Veterinary Nurse Salary: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Fortnightly Breakdown

A full-time veterinary nurse at Level 1 earns $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, based on a 38-hour week under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award.

Understanding the Veterinary Nurse Salary Under the Award

If you are looking up a veterinary nurse salary in Australia, the starting point is the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118). This award sets minimum pay rates for veterinary nurses, receptionists, and practice managers. The rates are updated each financial year; the figures below apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Hourly and Weekly Rates for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

A full-time veterinary nurse works an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees work fewer hours on a regular basis but receive the same hourly rate on a pro rata basis. The award classifies veterinary nurses into five levels:

Introductory level: $25.74 per hour, $978.10 per week
Level 1: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week
Level 2: $28.24 per hour, $1,073.10 per week
Level 3: $29.45 per hour, $1,119.10 per week
Level 4: $32.13 per hour, $1,221.10 per week

These rates are the minimum. Many employers pay above award, but the award provides the legal floor.

Casual Loading and Overtime

Casual veterinary nurses receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate instead of paid leave entitlements. For a Level 1 casual, the rate is $33.05 per hour ($26.44 + 25%). Casual employees are also entitled to a minimum engagement of 3 hours per shift. Overtime rates apply after 10 hours per shift or outside ordinary hours, and casuals receive the same overtime rates as full-time employees plus the casual loading.

Converting Hourly to Annual Salary

To estimate the annual veterinary nurse salary, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time Level 1 veterinary nurse: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,245.44 per year.

This calculation assumes you work the same 38 hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. If you work part-time, adjust the hours per week accordingly. For example, a part-time nurse working 20 hours per week at Level 1 would earn $26.44 × 20 × 52 = $27,497.60 per year.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Simply multiply the weekly rate by 2. For a Level 1 full-time nurse, the weekly rate is $1,004.90, so fortnightly pay is $2,009.80 before tax.

Tax and Medicare

Using 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

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a Level 1 nurse earning $52,245.44, the tax estimate (using the full tax-free threshold) would be approximately $6,358.63, plus Medicare levy of $1,044.91, leaving a net annual income of about $44,841.90. Use the take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% of ordinary earnings on top of your salary. For the Level 1 nurse, that is an extra $6,269.45 per year, paid into a complying fund like AustralianSuper. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional contribution. The maximum contribution base for 2026–27 is $270,830, so most veterinary nurses will have the full 12% applied. Learn more about super and packaging.

Comparing with the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. This is the same as the award Level 1 rate for veterinary nurses. However, award classifications above Level 1 pay more. Casual employees under the NMW receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

Our timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add the 25% casual loading. It calculates annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly pay, plus estimated tax and super. Remember: do not include casual loading in the base rate you type; check the box to add it automatically.

Summary

A veterinary nurse salary under the award ranges from $25.74 per hour (introductory) to $32.13 per hour (Level 4). Full-time annual pay for Level 1 is about $52,245. For casuals, add 25%. Fortnightly pay is simply weekly × 2. Super is paid on top at 12%. For more detail, see the pay guides for the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award or consult the reference tables for all modern award rates.