Paramedic Salary NSW: Award Rates and Minimum Wage Comparison

Paramedic Salary NSW: Award Rates and Minimum Wage Comparison

If you are looking up a paramedic salary NSW, the first thing to know is that the legal minimum is set by the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020 (MA000098). This award covers employers throughout Australia in the ambulance and patient transport industry, including in New South Wales. The rates in this guide apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage vs Award

Australia has a national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee not covered by an award or agreement. However, most paramedics are covered by the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award, which sets higher minimum rates. The award is the safety net; your actual pay may be higher under an enterprise agreement or individual contract.

Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for this award. For a full-time ambulance officer (paramedic), the minimum weekly and hourly rates are:

• Year 1: $1,309.50 per week / $34.46 per hour
• Year 2: $1,319.50 per week / $34.72 per hour
• Year 3: $1,326.90 per week / $34.92 per hour

Student ambulance officers/paramedics have lower rates, starting at $31.03 per hour (Level 1, year 1). Other classifications such as Patient Transport Officer ($32.05/h) and Communications Call Taker ($32.05/h) are also covered.

These rates are for ordinary hours (38 per week). Penalty rates apply for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and shift work. For example, Saturday work is paid at $51.69 per hour for a year 1 ambulance officer.

How Superannuation Fits In

Superannuation is paid on top of these rates. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, so the total employment cost is higher than the hourly rate shown. For a year 1 ambulance officer, the employer must also contribute $4.14 per hour to super, making the true cost $38.60 per hour.

What If You're Covered by an Enterprise Agreement?

Many paramedics in NSW are employed by NSW Ambulance, a state government agency. They may be covered by an enterprise agreement that sets higher pay rates, allowances, or conditions. The award remains the minimum; an enterprise agreement cannot undercut it. If you are unsure which applies, check with your employer or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Checking Your Pay

To see if you are being paid correctly, compare your hourly rate to the award rate for your classification and year of service. Remember that the award rate is before tax and super. You can find detailed pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For more information on minimum wages generally, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Summary

A paramedic salary NSW must at least meet the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award rates. The minimum for a first-year ambulance officer is $34.46 per hour, well above the national minimum wage. Actual salaries may be higher due to enterprise agreements, penalties, or allowances. Always check the award or your agreement to ensure you are receiving the correct pay.

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