What is the minimum hourly rate for a paramedic in 2026?

Under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award, a qualified ambulance officer in their first year earns a minimum of $34.46 per hour. Student paramedics start at $31.03 per hour, and more senior roles like Station Officer earn up to $38.49 per hour.

How is casual loading calculated for ambulance officers?

Casual employees under the award receive a loading of 25% on weekdays, 75% on Saturdays and Sundays, and 100% on public holidays, instead of paid leave. This is different from the National Minimum Wage casual loading of 25% for all hours. For a year 1 ambulance officer, the weekday casual rate is $43.08 per hour.

Does the paramedics salary include superannuation?

No, superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings (up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base) as the super guarantee. For the award minimum of $68,094, that adds about $8,171 per year.

Paramedics Salary 2026: Award Rates, Tax, and Super Explained

Under the Fair Work Ombudsman's Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award, a qualified ambulance officer earns a minimum of $34.46 per hour, or $1,309.50 per week for a 38-hour week, with higher rates for casuals and overtime.

Paramedics Salary Under the Award

When researching a paramedics salary, the first place to look is the Fair Work Ombudsman's Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020 [MA000098]. This award sets the minimum pay rates for ambulance officers, paramedics, patient transport officers, and related roles. According to the award, a full-time ambulance officer in their first year earns a minimum hourly rate of $34.46, which equates to $1,309.50 per week for a 38-hour week. This is significantly above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour.

The award includes several classification levels. A student ambulance officer (level 1) starts at $31.03 per hour, while a Station Officer managing a branch with 10 or more staff earns $38.49 per hour. Senior Station Officers can earn $40.97 per hour. These rates increase with years of service. For example, an ambulance officer in their second year earns $34.72 per hour, and in their third year $34.92 per hour.

Converting Hourly to Annual and Fortnightly Pay

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. Assuming a standard 38-hour week, a paramedics salary at the award minimum for a year 1 ambulance officer would be:

$34.46 × 38 × 52 = $68,094.56 per year (before tax and super).

For a fortnightly pay period, multiply the weekly rate by 2: $1,309.50 × 2 = $2,619.00. This calculation assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Many paramedics work overtime and weekends, which can significantly increase earnings. The award provides penalty rates of 150% on Saturdays and Sundays for full-time employees, and 250% on public holidays.

Casual Loading and Penalty Rates

Casual employees under the award receive a loading instead of paid leave. For weekdays, the casual loading is 25% on top of the ordinary hourly rate, making the casual rate $43.08 per hour for a year 1 ambulance officer. However, the award specifies different loadings for weekends: 75% on Saturdays and Sundays (total 175% of ordinary rate) and 100% on public holidays (200% of ordinary rate). This is different from the National Minimum Wage casual loading of 25% for all hours.

Median Paramedics Salary from ABS

While the award sets the floor, actual paramedics salary can be much higher. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, the median full-time ambulance officers and paramedics earn $2,852 per week, or $71 per hour, based on 2025 data. This reflects experience, shift penalties, and overtime. The average full-time hours worked are 47 hours per week, above the standard 38.

Tax and Super on Your Paramedics Salary

Once you have your annual gross salary, you need to estimate tax. For the 2026–27 financial year, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) resident tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess
Over $190,000: 45% on excess Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). For a paramedic earning the award minimum of $68,094, the tax would be approximately:
Tax on $68,094: $18,200 tax-free, then $26,800 at 15% = $4,020, then $23,094 at 30% = $6,928. Total tax = $10,948. Plus Medicare levy 2% = $1,361.88. Total tax and levy = $12,310. Take-home pay = $55,784. For the median earner at $2,852/week ($148,304/year), tax would be higher brackets. Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% for 2026–27, meaning an employer must contribute an additional 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For the award minimum, super about $8,171 per year. This is not deducted from your pay; it's an extra cost to the employer.

Using Our Tools

To calculate your own paramedics salary, use [the timesheet (/) to enter your base hourly rate. If you are a casual, check the casual loading to add 25% on top. Remember not to include casual loading in the base rate you type. For more on award rates, see pay guides.