What is the minimum wage for a cardiac physiologist in Australia?

The minimum wage for a cardiac physiologist is not a single figure. Most cardiac physiologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates based on qualifications and experience. For example, a Level 1 Health Professional with a bachelor's degree (AQF 7) in their first year must be paid at least $34.44 per hour, or $1,308.80 per week for a full-time employee. This is higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. If an employer is not covered by the award, the national minimum wage applies as a backstop.

Do cardiac physiologists get superannuation?

Yes, superannuation is paid on top of the minimum wage. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings to a complying super fund. This is separate from the hourly or weekly rate. For a cardiac physiologist earning the award minimum of $34.44 per hour, the employer also pays an additional $4.13 per hour into super.

Can a cardiac physiologist be paid less than the award rate?

Generally no, unless a valid enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement provides a different rate that is not less than the overall award minimum. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies, but award rates are typically higher. The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate underpayments.

Cardiac Physiologist Salary: Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage in Australia

The minimum pay for a cardiac physiologist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, with rates starting at $34.44 per hour for a Level 1 Health Professional (AQF 7, first year), plus 12% superannuation.

Understanding the cardiac physiologist salary floor

When searching for a "cardiac physiologist salary" in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum and what employers may offer above it. The pay floor for most cardiac physiologists is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), not the national minimum wage. This award covers employees in the health industry, including cardiac physiologists who perform diagnostic and monitoring services.

Award minimum rates for cardiac physiologists

The award classifies cardiac physiologists as Health Professional employees. Minimum rates depend on the employee’s Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For a cardiac physiologist with a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7), the minimum weekly rate from 1 October 2026 is:

1st year: $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour)
2nd–3rd year: $1,409.00 per week ($37.08 per hour)
4th–6th year: $1,565.30 per week ($41.19 per hour)
7th year and over: $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour)

These figures come from the Fair Work Commission’s consolidated award . The award also includes higher rates for employees with postgraduate qualifications (AQF Level 8 or 9) and for those in supervisory roles (Level 2 and above).

How the national minimum wage fits in

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week). This is the absolute floor for award-free employees. However, because cardiac physiologists are almost always covered by the Health Professionals award, the award rate is the relevant minimum. The national minimum acts as a safety net: no award rate can fall below it, and if an employee is not covered by any award, the national minimum applies. For a cardiac physiologist, the award rate is significantly higher.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum rates quoted are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For a cardiac physiologist on the award minimum of $34.44 per hour, the employer’s super contribution is $4.13 per hour. This is not deducted from the employee’s wage; it is paid separately.

What about enterprise agreements?

Some hospitals or clinics may have an enterprise agreement that sets different pay rates. An enterprise agreement can replace award rates, but it must pass the “better off overall test” – meaning the employee must be better off under the agreement than under the award. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, check its terms for your classification. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that summarise award rates, but agreements are separate.

Common misconceptions

A common mistake is to assume the national minimum wage applies to all workers. For cardiac physiologists, the award rate is the legal minimum, and it is higher. Another misconception is that superannuation is part of the hourly rate – it is not. The rates shown in award pay guides are base rates; super is additional.

Where to check your rate

To confirm which pay floor applies to you, start by identifying whether you are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Which minimum wage applies tool can help. If you are award-covered, use the rate tables for the award to find your classification and experience level. Remember that actual salaries may be higher than the minimum, especially for experienced cardiac physiologists or those in senior roles.

Summary

The legal minimum for a cardiac physiologist salary is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, with rates starting at $34.44 per hour for a new graduate. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is a backstop that does not apply to award-covered employees. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Enterprise agreements may provide different rates, but they must meet the better off overall test. Always check the specific award classification and your years of experience to determine your correct minimum rate.