What award covers operating theatre technicians?

Operating theatre technicians are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database provides the minimum rates, allowances and penalty rates for this award. You can check the specific classification in the award to find your correct base rate.

How is casual loading applied to an operating theatre technician salary?

Casual loading is an additional 25% on top of the base hourly rate. For example, if your base rate is $30 per hour, the casual rate becomes $37.50 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casual employees do not receive. Always enter your base rate (without loading) into a calculator, then select the casual option to have the 25% added automatically.

What is the difference between the National Minimum Wage and an award rate for operating theatre technicians?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). However, award rates for operating theatre technicians are often higher because they reflect the skill and responsibility of the role. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that show the exact minimum rates for each classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.

Understanding the Operating Theatre Technician Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion Guide

For an operating theatre technician earning $30 per hour under a 38-hour week, the annual gross pay is approximately $59,280 before tax and super.

How to Convert an Operating Theatre Technician Salary from Hourly to Annual

If you are an operating theatre technician or considering the role, understanding your operating theatre technician salary in annual terms helps you compare job offers, budget, and plan for tax and super. The standard conversion used in Australia is:

Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

This formula assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. For most full-time employees, the standard week is 38 hours. If you work part-time or casual, use your usual weekly hours.

Example for a Full-Time Operating Theatre Technician

Suppose your base hourly rate is $30.00. Under a 38-hour week:

Weekly pay: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly pay: $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual gross: $1,140.00 × 52 = $59,280.00

This is your gross income before tax and the Medicare levy. Superannuation is paid on top by your employer.

Minimum Wage, Award Rates, and Casual Loading

It is important to know which pay rate applies to you. The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for award/agreement-free employees (). However, most operating theatre technicians are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that list the exact rates for each classification.

If you are a casual employee, you are entitled to a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate. For example, a $30.00 base rate becomes $37.50 per hour. When using our timesheet, enter your base rate (without loading) and tick the casual box to have the loading added automatically. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Tax and Medicare for the 2026–27 Financial Year

Your operating theatre technician salary is subject to Australian resident tax rates and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27:

Tax-free threshold: $0 – $18,200
15%: $18,201 – $45,000
30%: $45,001 – $135,000
37%: $135,001 – $190,000
45%: $190,001 and above

Medicare levy is generally 2% of your taxable income. The low-income thresholds for the Medicare levy reduction are based on 2025–26 figures as the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. Use our take-home pay tool to estimate your net income after tax and Medicare.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee at 12% of your ordinary earnings, on top of your salary. This means if your annual gross is $59,280, your employer contributes an extra $7,113.60 into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per quarter. Super is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit. Learn more about super and packaging.

Comparing Your Operating Theatre Technician Salary with Averages

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports Average Weekly Earnings for full-time adult ordinary time earnings at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). That equates to about $108,352 per year. All employees total earnings (including part-time) average $1,579.20 per week, or $82,118 per year. Your operating theatre technician salary may be below these averages depending on your experience and location, but award minimums ensure a fair baseline. Check the job pay page for role-specific comparisons.

Important Disclaimer

The annual pay figures on this page are estimates based on the formula hourly rate × hours per week × 52. They assume the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

For precise rates, always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides and the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. Use our hourly conversion tool to run your own numbers.