Vet Salary Australia: Award Minimums and Median Earnings

Vet Salary Australia: Award Minimums and Median Earnings

When researching vet salary Australia, it's important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay set by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award and the median earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This guide explains both, so you can see where a particular offer or salary sits.

The Legal Minimum Under the Award

The Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118) covers employers in the veterinary surgery industry and the animal care industry, and their employees in classifications listed in Schedule A. Veterinary surgeons are classified into levels 1A through 4, each with a minimum annual salary and corresponding hourly rate. From 1 July 2026, the minimum rates are:

• Level 1A: $67,582 per year ($34.20 per hour)
• Level 1B: $71,300 per year ($36.08 per hour)
• Level 2: $77,032 per year ($38.98 per hour)
• Level 3: $84,628 per year ($42.83 per hour)
• Level 4: $95,593 per year ($48.38 per hour)

The award also sets minimums for practice managers, veterinary nurses, receptionists, animal attendants, and assistants. For example, a Level 5 practice manager must be paid at least $33.77 per hour, while a Level 1 veterinary nurse or receptionist starts at $26.44 per hour. These are the legal floors; actual salaries can be higher through negotiation or enterprise agreements.

Median Earnings from the ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics, through Jobs and Skills Australia, reports median full-time weekly earnings for veterinarians at $2,413 (May 2025 data). This translates to a median hourly rate of $64 for full-time non-managerial employees. By comparison, the median for all occupations is $1,852 per week. About 73% of veterinarians work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week. These figures are survey averages and reflect what many experienced vets earn, not a legal minimum.

Award-Free Employees and the National Minimum

If a veterinary employee is not covered by the award—for example, because they work in a state public sector role or are covered by an enterprise agreement—the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, a modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate. Junior employees, apprentices, and supported wage employees may be paid less than the adult rate. For award-free juniors, the percentages range from 36.8% for under 16 to 97.7% for 20-year-olds.

Superannuation

All employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a vet earning the award minimum of $34.20 per hour, the total employment cost is about $38.30 per hour including super. This is a separate payment, not deducted from the salary.

How to Use This Information

When evaluating a job offer or negotiating a salary, compare the proposed rate to the award minimum for the relevant classification. If the offer is below the award, it may be unlawful. Use Rate tables to see current award rates for all classifications. For a broader picture, the median earnings from the ABS show what the market typically pays. See our Guides for more on award coverage and how to check if an award applies to your role.

Remember, the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. This site provides independent information to help you understand your pay entitlements.