What is the minimum hourly rate for an anaesthetist in Australia?

Under the Medical Practitioners Award 2020, a specialist (which covers anaesthetists) has a minimum hourly rate of $67.66 as of 1 July 2026. Senior specialists start at $72.35 per hour. These rates are the legal minimum; many anaesthetists earn more under enterprise agreements or in private practice.

Are anaesthetists covered by the Medical Practitioners Award?

Yes. The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 covers employers of medical practitioners, including anaesthetists, in hospitals, day procedure centres, and similar settings. It sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions. Private practitioners or those covered by enterprise agreements may have different terms, but the award acts as a safety net.

Do anaesthetists get superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. The current rate is 12% of the employee's ordinary time earnings. For an anaesthetist on the award minimum weekly rate of $2,570.93, the employer would contribute an additional $308.51 per week in super.

Anaesthetist salary Australia: award minimums and what to expect

Under the Medical Practitioners Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a specialist (including anaesthetists) is $67.66, with a weekly rate of $2,570.93, plus 12% superannuation.

Anaesthetist salary Australia: award coverage and minimum rates

If you are searching for an anaesthetist salary Australia figure, the starting point is the legal minimum set by the Medical Practitioners Award 2020. This award covers most employed anaesthetists working in hospitals, day procedure centres, hospices, and community health settings. It does not cover self‑employed specialists or those in private practice, but it provides the safety net for employees.

The Medical Practitioners Award 2020

The Fair Work Commission’s Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031) includes classifications for interns, residents, registrars, specialists, and senior specialists. Anaesthetists are typically classified as Specialist or Senior specialist depending on their experience and qualifications. The award sets minimum annual salaries, weekly rates, and hourly rates. These rates are updated each year following the Annual Wage Review; the figures below apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Specialist and senior specialist rates

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for the Medical Practitioners Award, the minimum weekly rate for a Specialist is $2,570.93, which equates to $67.66 per hour. For a Senior specialist at pay point 1, the minimum weekly rate is $2,749.01 ($72.35 per hour). Senior specialists can progress through five pay points, with pay point 5 reaching $3,193.92 per week ($84.05 per hour). There are also higher classifications for principal specialists and senior principal specialists.

These rates are the legal minimum. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate, but cannot go below the award. The award also includes penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work, overtime, and recall to duty, which can significantly increase total earnings.

How actual salaries compare

The award minimum for a specialist ($67.66/h) is well above the adult national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week). It is also above the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ May 2026 figure for full‑time adult average ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. However, many anaesthetists earn considerably more than the award minimum, especially those in private practice or under enterprise agreements that include additional allowances or productivity bonuses. The award rate should be seen as a floor, not a typical salary.

If you are employed under the award, your employer must pay at least the classification rate that matches your role and experience. You can check your classification against the definitions in the award (clause 12). If you believe you are being underpaid, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

Superannuation and other entitlements

On top of the minimum salary, employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a specialist on the award minimum weekly rate of $2,570.93, that means an extra $308.51 per week paid into a super fund. This is not deducted from the salary; it is an additional employer cost.

Other entitlements under the award include annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, long service leave, and public holiday penalties. Casual specialists receive a higher hourly rate (25% loading) instead of paid leave.

Checking your pay

To see if your pay meets the legal minimum, compare your hourly or weekly rate to the award rates for your classification. Remember that the award rate is the minimum; your employer may pay more under an enterprise agreement or contract. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your entitlements. For more guidance on how minimum wages work, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables on this site.

If you are award‑free (unlikely for anaesthetists), the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour would apply, but the Medical Practitioners Award covers virtually all employed medical practitioners. Always check the award first.

This information is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For a definitive answer on your pay, consult the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 or speak with your employer or a workplace relations specialist.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.