What is the minimum cardiologist salary under the Medical Practitioners Award?

The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 sets a minimum annual salary of $121,535 for a Specialist (full-time), which equates to $2,337.21 per week or $61.51 per hour. This is the legal floor for employed cardiologists covered by the award. Many cardiologists earn significantly more through enterprise agreements, private practice, or experience.

Does the ABS publish a median cardiologist salary?

No. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for 6-digit ANZSCO occupations such as Cardiologists (253312). The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for cardiologists notes that median earnings are not produced for 6-digit occupations. For the broader group of Specialist Physicians (4-digit), the ABS May 2025 survey shows median weekly earnings, but that figure is not specific to cardiologists.

Is superannuation included in the cardiologist salary figures?

No. The award minimum rates and any quoted salary figures are before tax and do not include the superannuation guarantee. Employers must pay an additional 12% super on top of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). For a Specialist on the award minimum, that adds about $14,584 per year in super contributions.

Cardiologist salary: award minimum and what the data shows

The minimum annual salary for a Specialist under the Medical Practitioners Award is $121,535 ($61.51/h), but actual cardiologist salaries are often much higher and vary by experience and setting.

What is the minimum cardiologist salary in Australia?

When searching for a cardiologist salary, it is important to separate the legal minimum from typical market earnings. For employed cardiologists working in hospitals, community health centres, and similar settings, the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031) sets the minimum pay floor. Under that award, a Specialist – which includes cardiologists – must receive at least $121,535 per year for full-time work (38 ordinary hours per week). That works out to $2,337.21 per week or $61.51 per hour. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

How the award minimum compares with the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult award-free employees. The Specialist rate under the Medical Practitioners Award is more than double that, reflecting the high skill and responsibility of cardiologists. However, the award minimum is only a floor – many cardiologists earn far more, especially those in private practice or with years of experience.

What the ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia say about cardiologist pay

The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia provide detailed profiles for occupations. For cardiologists (ANZSCO 253312), the data includes demographics and hours worked but not median weekly earnings. The ABS does not publish median earnings for 6-digit occupations because the sample size is too small for reliable estimates. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median weekly earnings figures are not produced for 6-digit occupations. For the broader category of Specialist Physicians (4-digit), the ABS May 2025 Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours shows a median weekly figure, but that is not specific to cardiologists.

Award coverage and enterprise agreements

The Medical Practitioners Award covers employers of medical practitioners in hospitals, hospices, day procedure centres, Aboriginal health services, community health centres, and similar settings. If you are employed under an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set a higher rate than the award. Always check your employment contract or agreement to see which rate applies. The award is the legal backstop – your pay cannot be less than the award minimum unless a permitted exemption applies (e.g., junior rates, training arrangements).

Superannuation is on top

All salary figures discussed here are before tax and do not include the superannuation guarantee. From 1 July 2026, employers must contribute an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into your super fund. For a cardiologist on the award minimum of $121,535, that adds about $14,584 per year in super contributions.

Factors that influence actual cardiologist earnings

Actual cardiologist salaries vary widely based on:

Experience and seniority: A newly qualified specialist may start at the award minimum, while senior cardiologists with decades of experience earn significantly more.
Public vs private sector: Private practice cardiologists often have higher earnings but also bear practice costs.
Location: Salaries in rural and remote areas may include loadings or incentives.
Hours worked: The average full-time cardiologist works 49 hours per week (ABS Census 2021), which can boost total earnings through overtime or penalty rates.

Where to find more information

For the exact award rates and classifications, refer to the Medical Practitioners Award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For broader labour market data, see the Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for cardiologists. Our Which minimum wage applies guide can help you determine if the national minimum or an award covers you. See also our Rate tables for current award and national minimum figures.

Important note

This article provides general guidance only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. If you are unsure about your entitlements, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or seek independent advice from a union, employer association, or lawyer.

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