Does the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award cover all veterinary nurses?

The award covers most veterinary nurses employed in private veterinary practices. However, some employers may be covered by an enterprise agreement or a different award if the work is not primarily veterinary nursing. Check the award’s coverage clause or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to confirm. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor.

What are the junior rates for a veterinary nurse under the award?

Junior employees (under 21) are paid a percentage of the adult award rate based on age. For example, a 17-year-old veterinary nurse at Level 1 receives 60% of $26.44, which is $15.86 per hour. Percentages are: under 17 – 50%, 17 – 60%, 18 – 70%, 19 – 80%, 20 – 90%. These rates apply to full-time, part-time, and casual employees (casual rates include the 25% loading).

Veterinary Nurse Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in Australia

Q: Is superannuation included in the award rates?

No. Superannuation is paid on top of the award rate. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a full-time Level 1 veterinary nurse earning $1,004.90 per week, the employer must contribute an additional $120.59 into a complying super fund. The award requires employers to avoid the super guarantee charge by making these contributions.

The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 veterinary nurse under the award is $26.44, with introductory and junior rates available.

Understanding the Veterinary Nurse Salary Under the Award

When researching a veterinary nurse salary, the first step is identifying the correct legal minimum. Most veterinary nurses in Australia are covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for practice managers, veterinary nurses, receptionists, and animal attendants. The Fair Work Commission updates these rates each year following the Annual Wage Review. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the award rates incorporate a 4.75% increase.

The award classifies veterinary nurses into five levels, from Introductory to Level 4, plus a Practice Manager level (Level 5). The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 veterinary nurse is $26.44, which matches the adult national minimum wage. However, an Introductory level exists for the first six months of employment, paying $25.74 per hour. This is a lawful training rate and does not breach the national minimum because it is specifically allowed by the award. For a full-time employee (38 ordinary hours per week), the weekly pay at Level 1 is $1,004.90, and at Introductory level it is $978.10. These figures are from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide and the award itself .

Award Rates vs. National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage (also $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) acts as a backstop for award-free employees. If you are covered by the Veterinary Services Award, the award rates take precedence. The award’s Introductory rate is lower than the national minimum, but it is limited to the first six months. After that, the employee must move to at least Level 1. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database confirms these classifications and rates .

Junior and Casual Rates

Junior veterinary nurses (under 21) receive a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 17-year-old at Level 1 gets 60% of $26.44 = $15.86 per hour. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate, so a casual Level 1 veterinary nurse gets $33.05 per hour. The award also specifies penalty rates for evening, weekend, and public holiday work. These are detailed in the pay guide available from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Superannuation and Tax on Your Veterinary Nurse Salary

All minimum rates quoted are before tax and do not include superannuation. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid by the employer on top of the base salary. For a full-time Level 1 veterinary nurse earning $1,004.90 per week, the employer must contribute an extra $120.59 into super. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay.

Tax is withheld by the employer using the PAYG system. For the 2026–27 income year, a single adult earning the award minimum of about $52,255 per year (Level 1 full-time) would pay an estimated $6,588 in tax plus a 2% Medicare levy (once income exceeds $30,000). The actual amount depends on individual circumstances, including the tax-free threshold and any offsets. Use the ATO’s tax calculator for a precise estimate.

How to Check Your Pay

If you are a veterinary nurse, compare your hourly rate against the award classification that matches your duties. The award defines each level based on skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. For example, a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing typically places you at Level 2 or higher. Your employer may also be covered by an enterprise agreement that provides higher pay. Always check the award or agreement first. For more detail on how minimum wages are set, see our Guides page. You can also browse Rate tables for a summary of current award rates across industries.

What If No Award Applies?

If you are not covered by any award or agreement, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) applies. Award-free junior rates follow a different scale (e.g., under 16: $9.73 per hour). The Fair Work Ombudsman can help determine your coverage.

Summary

The legal minimum veterinary nurse salary depends on your award classification, age, and employment type. The award provides a clear structure, with Level 1 starting at $26.44 per hour. Always remember that super is extra, and tax is deducted. For the most current rates, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website or the Fair Work Commission’s database.