Understanding the Perfusionist Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion with 38-Hour Week
A clinical perfusionist's salary varies by grade and hospital, but using a typical hourly rate of $60–$80, a 38-hour week yields an annual gross of $118,560–$158,080 before tax and super.
Understanding the Perfusionist Salary Landscape
When researching a perfusionist salary in Australia, you'll find that rates depend heavily on your classification, years of experience, and the hospital or health service you work for. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database and the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide the minimum rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). However, many perfusionists are employed under enterprise agreements that offer higher pay, such as those at major public hospitals in Victoria.
For example, according to data from a Victorian health service, a Clinical Perfusionist Grade 1 Year 1 (excluding Alfred Health, Austin Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Royal Children's Hospital) earns $1,153.90 per week as of December 2024. That works out to about $30.37 per hour for a 38-hour week. In contrast, a Grade 1 Year 1 perfusionist at Alfred Health, Austin Health, or Royal Melbourne Hospital earns $1,915.56 per week ($50.41 per hour), and at the Royal Children's Hospital it's $1,520.50 per week ($40.01 per hour). These differences highlight why it's essential to check your specific award or agreement.
Converting Hourly to Annual: The 38-Hour Week
To convert an hourly perfusionist salary to an annual figure, we use the standard assumption of a 38-hour week (the ordinary hours under most awards) and a 52-week year. The formula is:
Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For instance, if your hourly rate is $65.00:
- Weekly: $65.00 × 38 = $2,470.00
- Fortnightly: $2,470.00 × 2 = $4,940.00
- Annual: $2,470.00 × 52 = $128,440.00
This calculation assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It's a baseline estimate. If you work part-time or casual, adjust the hours accordingly. For casual employees, a 25% loading is typically applied on top of the base rate (see our casual loading page). Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into the tool; instead, use the base rate and check the casual loading box.
Fortnightly Pay and Tax Withholding
Most Australian employers pay fortnightly. Using the example above, a fortnightly gross of $4,940.00 is subject to tax withholding based on the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- Nil tax on the first $18,200
- 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% on income above $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (for singles earning above the threshold). For a $128,440 annual salary, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $28,000–$30,000, leaving a take-home of around $98,000–$100,000. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.
Superannuation on Top
Superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your base salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $128,440 annual salary, the employer contributes an additional $15,412.80 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it's an extra benefit. See our super and packaging page for more on salary sacrifice and contribution caps.
Using the Hourly to Annual Tool
Our reference tables and hourly conversion tool let you input your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and instantly see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents. You can also toggle casual loading to see the loaded rate. Remember that the tool provides an estimate only—your actual pay may differ due to enterprise agreements, allowances, or penalty rates.
For the most accurate perfusionist salary information, always refer to your specific award or enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides and the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database are authoritative sources. If you're covered by an enterprise agreement, check with your HR department or union for the correct classification and pay point.
Disclaimer
Annual pay shown here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes 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 is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 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.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.