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Pathology Collector Salary: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage in 2026

A full-time pathology collector at Level 5 earns $30.45 per hour, or $60,157 per year based on 38 hours per week, before tax and super.

Pathology Collector Salary: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

If you're exploring a pathology collector salary, it's important to know that pay is governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), not just the National Minimum Wage. While the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (or $33.05 casual), award rates for pathology collectors are higher and vary by classification and experience. This article explains how to convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures, and covers tax and superannuation.

How the Award Sets Pathology Collector Pay

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the award rates for pathology collectors under the Support Services classification. As of late 2026, the rates are structured into levels based on qualifications and experience:

  • Level 5 (entry level, unqualified with less than 12 months' experience): $30.45 per hour, $1,157.20 per week
  • Level 6 (qualified with Certificate III or unqualified with 12 months to 2 years' experience): $30.63 per hour, $1,163.90 per week
  • Level 7 (unqualified) (2+ years' experience, not previously Level 6): $31.67 per hour, $1,203.50 per week
  • Level 7 (qualified) (Certificate III with 12+ months' experience, or previously Level 6): $32.67 per hour, $1,241.40 per week

These rates are for full-time and part-time employees working ordinary hours. A full-time employee works an average of 38 hours per week, as per clause 9.1 of the award. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate but work fewer hours.

Casual Loading and Overtime

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate (clause 11.4). For example, a Level 5 casual pathology collector earns $38.06 per hour. This loading replaces entitlements like paid leave. Overtime rates also apply: for full-time and part-time employees, Monday to Saturday overtime is 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% thereafter; Sunday overtime is 200%. Casual overtime rates are higher, e.g., 187.5% for the first 2 hours on Monday to Saturday. Penalty rates for Saturday and Sunday ordinary hours are 150% for full-time/part-time and 175% for casuals.

Converting Hourly to Annual, Fortnightly, and Weekly

To estimate your annual pay, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a full-time pathology collector at Level 5:

  • Hourly: $30.45
  • Weekly: $30.45 × 38 = $1,157.10 (award says $1,157.20, slight rounding)
  • Fortnightly: $1,157.20 × 2 = $2,314.40
  • Annual: $1,157.20 × 52 = $60,174.40 (or $30.45 × 38 × 52 = $60,157.20)

For a Level 7 qualified collector:

  • Weekly: $1,241.40
  • Fortnightly: $2,482.80
  • Annual: $64,552.80

This calculation assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Use the timesheet to quickly convert any hourly rate.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). However, the award for pathology collectors sets higher minimums. For example, even the lowest award classification (Level 5) is $30.45 per hour, which is $4.01 above the national minimum. This highlights why checking your specific award is crucial. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides the official rates.

Tax and Superannuation

Your annual gross pay is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the tax-free threshold is $18,200, then:

  • 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
  • 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
  • 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
  • 45% above $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a Level 7 qualified collector earning $64,552.80, the tax would be approximately $11,067 (using the 2026–27 rates) plus Medicare of $1,291, leaving a take-home of about $52,195. Use take-home pay for a detailed estimate.

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (from 1 July 2026). For a Level 5 collector earning $60,157 annually, the employer contributes $7,218.84 to super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is not deducted from your pay; it's additional. See super and packaging for more.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many employers pay fortnightly. For a Level 6 pathology collector, fortnightly gross pay is $2,327.80 ($1,163.90 × 2). After tax and Medicare, the net might be around $1,900. Knowing your fortnightly amount helps with budgeting. The award also provides for annualised wage arrangements, but the base rate remains the same.

Summary

A pathology collector salary under the award is well above the National Minimum Wage. Whether you're a new entrant at Level 5 or an experienced qualified collector at Level 7, the hourly rates are clear. Always check the latest award from the Fair Work Ombudsman, as rates are updated periodically. Use our pay guides for more award breakdowns, and remember that your actual pay may include penalties, allowances, or overtime not covered here.

Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.

Try the rate on a timesheet

Adjust the timesheet

Year, gross$52,245.4452 weeks at this rate

Starts at the adult National Minimum Wage. Change the rate if the job pays more.

Level with the adult National Minimum Wage.

Mon$200.947.6 h
Tue$200.947.6 h
Wed$200.947.6 h
Thu$200.947.6 h
Fri$200.947.6 h
One fortnight$2,009.44 gross
  • Take-home
  • Tax
  • Medicare
Super 12%, paid on top$6,269.45 a year
Week
$1,004.72
Fortnight
$2,009.44
Take-home a year
$45,006.90
Tax + Medicare
$7,238.54
  • 16 h$21,998
  • 20 h$27,498
  • 24 h$32,997
  • 30 h$41,246
  • 38 h$52,245
  • 40 h$54,995

Resident tax for 2026–27 with the tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds. No HELP, no salary sacrifice, no Medicare levy surcharge. Super is 12% of ordinary earnings only, capped at the maximum contribution base.

Questions people ask next

What is the hourly rate for a qualified pathology collector under the award?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a qualified pathology collector at Level 7 (qualified or previously Level 6) earns $32.67 per hour as a full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $40.84 per hour.

How does casual loading affect a pathology collector's pay?

Casual employees under the award are paid a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 5 pathology collector's base rate is $30.45 per hour; with casual loading it becomes $38.06 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive.

What is the annual salary for a Level 7 pathology collector working full-time?

A full-time Level 7 qualified pathology collector working 38 hours per week earns $1,241.40 per week, which equates to $64,552.80 per year before tax and super. This is based on the award rate of $32.67 per hour multiplied by 38 hours and 52 weeks.

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