What is the minimum vet nurse salary under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 veterinary nurse is $26.44, with a weekly rate of $1,004.90 for 38 hours. Higher classifications (Levels 2–4) pay progressively more, up to $32.13 per hour for Level 4. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual Level 1 rate $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and apply to all award-covered employees.

How does casual loading affect a vet nurse’s take-home pay?

Casual employees under the award are paid an extra 25% on top of the base hourly rate. For a Level 1 vet nurse, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour instead of $26.44. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave entitlements. When converting to annual figures, a casual working 38 hours per week would gross about $65,326 per year before tax and super. Super is still paid on top of the casual rate.

Vet Nurse Salary Guide: Award Rates, Tax, and Super in Australia 2026–27

Q: How is superannuation calculated for a vet nurse, and is it included in the hourly rate?

Superannuation is paid on top of the ordinary hourly rate. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings (as of 2026–27), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time Level 1 vet nurse earning $52,261 per year, the employer would contribute an additional $6,271.32 in super. This amount is not deducted from the employee’s wages; it is paid separately into a super fund.

A full-time Level 1 veterinary nurse earns $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours, equating to about $52,261 per year before tax and super.

Understanding the Vet Nurse Salary Under the Animal Care Award

If you are looking for a reliable vet nurse salary figure, the starting point is the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 [MA000118] from the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award covers veterinary nurses, receptionists, animal attendants, and practice managers. The rates are updated each year on 1 July. For the 2026–27 financial year, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 veterinary nurse is $26.44, with a full-time weekly rate of $1,004.90 for 38 ordinary hours. Higher classifications (Levels 2, 3, and 4) pay $28.24, $29.45, and $32.13 per hour respectively.

Hourly to Annual Conversion for Vet Nurses

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time Level 1 vet nurse:

$26.44 × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $52,261.44 per year

This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates. The hourly conversion page explains the calculation in more detail. If you are paid fortnightly, multiply the weekly rate by two: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80 per fortnight.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. For a Level 1 vet nurse, the casual rate is $26.44 × 1.25 = $33.05 per hour. This loading is paid instead of entitlements such as annual leave and sick leave. The casual loading guide has more details.

Superannuation is paid on top of the ordinary hourly rate. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time Level 1 vet nurse earning $52,261, the employer would contribute an additional $6,271.32 into a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay; it is an extra cost for the employer. See super and packaging for more.

Tax and Medicare on a Vet Nurse Salary

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates and the full tax-free threshold of $18,200, here is an estimate of tax on a $52,261 annual salary:

$0 to $18,200: nil
$18,201 to $45,000: 15% on $26,800 = $4,020
$45,001 to $52,261: 30% on $7,261 = $2,178.30
Total tax: $6,198.30

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a single person with no dependants, the full levy applies: 2% × $52,261 = $1,045.22.

After tax and Medicare, the annual take-home pay would be approximately: $52,261 – $6,198.30 – $1,045.22 = $45,017.48 (or about $865.72 per week).

Use the take-home pay tool to see your own situation. Note that HELP loans, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included here.

Comparing Vet Nurse Pay to National Minimum Wage and Averages

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, which is the same as the Level 1 vet nurse rate. However, the award provides higher rates for more experienced or qualified staff. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. A Level 1 vet nurse at $1,004.90 per week is below that average, reflecting the entry-level nature of the classification. See the minimum wage and average pay pages for context.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

If you are paid fortnightly, your gross pay for a Level 1 vet nurse is $2,009.80. After tax and Medicare, you would take home roughly $1,731.44 per fortnight. The the timesheet calculator can help you work out your own figures by entering your base hourly rate and toggling casual loading.

Important Notes

This guide uses the award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the 2026–27 tax scales from the Australian Taxation Office. The annual pay estimate assumes 38 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. Always check your specific award classification and seek professional advice for your circumstances.