What award covers anesthesiologist assistants in Australia?

Anesthesiologist assistants are most likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award covers health professionals (including those with AQF qualifications) and support services employees in the health industry. The exact classification depends on the assistant's qualifications, duties, and years of experience.

What is the minimum hourly rate for an anesthesiologist assistant?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, a Level 1 health professional with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., diploma) earns between $32.44 and $40.56 per hour depending on experience. However, anesthesiologist assistants often hold a master's degree (AQF Level 9), which may place them in a higher classification (e.g., Level 2, $51.19/h). The exact rate should be confirmed with the employer or by checking the award classification.

How is superannuation calculated for anesthesiologist assistants?

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, if an anesthesiologist assistant earns $1,232.70 per week (Level 1, 1st year), the employer adds an extra $147.92 into a super fund. This is on top of the gross wage and is not deducted from the employee's pay.

Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary in Australia: Award Rates, Tax, and Super

The legal minimum for an anesthesiologist assistant is likely set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with Level 1 health professional rates starting at $32.44 per hour, but the exact classification depends on qualifications and experience.

Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary: What the Award Says

If you are researching an anesthesiologist assistant salary in Australia, the first place to look is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This modern award covers employees in the health industry who provide professional or support services. Anesthesiologist assistants typically work in hospitals or clinics under the supervision of anaesthetists, and their duties align with the health professional classifications in the award.

Legal Minimum vs Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage at $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week) from 1 July 2026. However, most anesthesiologist assistants are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which sets higher minimum rates. The award acts as a safety net – your employer cannot pay you less than the award rate for your classification, but an enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate.

Award Classification for Anesthesiologist Assistants

The award has two broad streams: Health Professionals and Support Services. Anesthesiologist assistants are likely classified as Health Professionals because they require specialised training (usually a master’s degree). The award’s Schedule B lists common health professional qualifications. For Level 1 health professionals, the minimum rates depend on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience:

AQF Level 5 (e.g., diploma): 1st year $32.44/h, 2nd–3rd year $34.44/h, 4th–6th year $37.53/h, 7th year+ $40.56/h.
AQF Level 7 (bachelor’s degree) or higher: the award does not list specific rates for Level 1 beyond AQF 5, but higher‑qualified employees may be classified at Level 2 or above. Level 2.1 starts at $51.19/h.

Because anesthesiologist assistants typically hold a master’s degree (AQF Level 9), they may be entitled to a higher classification than Level 1. The award states that employees are covered by the classification most appropriate to the work performed and the environment. In practice, many anesthesiologist assistants are paid above the award through enterprise agreements.

What About Support Services?

If an anesthesiologist assistant’s role is considered support rather than professional, they could fall under the Support Services stream. Support Services Level 1 starts at $26.97/h, rising to Level 9 (pay point 3) at $39.42/h. However, given the clinical nature of the work, the Health Professional stream is more likely.

The Weekly Packet: Tax, Medicare, and Super

Let’s take the example of a Level 1 health professional in their first year, earning $32.44 per hour. For a 38‑hour week, that’s $1,232.70 gross. On top of this, the employer must pay 12% superannuation ($147.92) into a super fund – that’s not deducted from your pay.

From the gross wage, you will pay:

Income tax (resident rates for 2026‑27, with the full tax‑free threshold).
Medicare levy of 2% once annual income exceeds $30,000.

For a weekly gross of $1,232.70 (annualised $64,100), estimated tax (including Medicare) would be roughly $240–$260 per week, leaving a net take‑home of about $970–$990. This is a rough guide – use the ATO’s tax calculator for your exact situation.

How Does This Compare to Average Earnings?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. An anesthesiologist assistant at the award minimum would earn well below that average. However, many anesthesiologist assistants are paid significantly more under enterprise agreements, reflecting their specialised skills.

Where to Get More Information

Which minimum wage applies – check if you are award‑free or covered by a different award.
Rate tables – see the full Health Professionals and Support Services Award rates.

Important Notes

The rates above are from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s summary of the award (effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026).
If you are a junior, apprentice, or trainee, lower percentages may apply.
Always check the actual award classification with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman. An enterprise agreement can set a higher rate.
This information is for guidance only and is not legal or tax advice.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.