Operating Theatre Technician Salary: Which Australian Pay Floor Applies?
The legal minimum for an operating theatre technician is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, but the exact classification rate is not publicly available in the provided data; the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies as a backstop.
Which pay floor applies to an operating theatre technician salary?
When researching an operating theatre technician salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. The pay floor is set by either the national minimum wage (for award-free employees) or a modern award classification. Most operating theatre technicians are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027].
Legal minimum versus award rates
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, this is only the backstop. If a modern award applies, the award rate is the legal minimum – and it is almost always higher than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and modern award rates through annual wage reviews. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that list the minimum rates for each classification.
For operating theatre technicians, the award classification depends on duties and qualifications. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award includes levels for medical technicians, with rates that increase with experience and responsibility. Without access to the specific classification spreadsheet from the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database, we cannot quote an exact figure. The database is updated after each Annual Wage Review – the 2026 data became available from 1 July 2026, with a 4.75% increase to most award rates. The lowest ongoing classification in any modern award cannot fall below the national minimum wage.
What the data shows
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there were about 1,400 operating theatre technicians employed in Australia at the 2021 Census. The median weekly earnings for this 6-digit occupation are not published (the ABS does not release that figure due to sample size). The average full-time hours are 41 per week, slightly below the national average of 44 hours. The median age is 47, and 24% of the workforce is female. Most technicians hold a Certificate III or IV (47%), and 70% work full-time.
Because median earnings are unavailable, we cannot compare a typical operating theatre technician salary to the national average of $2,083.70 per week (ABS May 2026). Any salary figure you see online should be treated as a guide only – it may come from job advertisements, enterprise agreements, or surveys that are not nationally representative.
Award-free employees and enterprise agreements
If an operating theatre technician is not covered by any modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. This is rare, as most public and private hospitals use awards or agreements. Enterprise agreements can set higher rates than the award, but they must pass the Better Off Overall Test. Always check your employment contract against the applicable award or agreement.
Superannuation is extra
When discussing an operating theatre technician salary, remember that superannuation is paid on top. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So a $26.44 per hour rate costs the employer an additional $3.17 per hour in super. The quoted salary never includes super.
How to find your correct rate
Start by identifying which modern award covers your role. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help. Then look up the classification level and any applicable allowances. If you are award-free, use the national minimum wage as a baseline. For more detail, see Which minimum wage applies and our Rate tables.
Common misconceptions
Some people assume that all healthcare workers are covered by the Nurses Award or the Medical Practitioners Award. Operating theatre technicians are not nurses; they are medical technicians under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Others think the national minimum wage is always the starting point – but if an award applies, the award rate is the legal minimum. Also, casual employees receive a 25% loading (casual rate $33.05 per hour at the national minimum), but award casual rates may differ.
Summary
- The legal minimum for an operating theatre technician is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (if covered) or the national minimum wage.
- Median earnings are not published, so rely on award rates or enterprise agreements.
- Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.
- Always verify your classification with the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide.
For more information, visit our Guides or How the figures work.
Questions people ask next
Which modern award covers operating theatre technicians?
Operating theatre technicians are classified under ANZSCO 311214 and are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. This award includes classifications for medical technicians and support staff. The exact minimum rate depends on the specific classification level and any applicable allowances. You should check the award pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman for the current rates.
Can an operating theatre technician be paid less than the national minimum wage?
No. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the absolute floor for adult award-free employees. However, most operating theatre technicians are covered by an award or enterprise agreement, which may set a higher minimum. Junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate.
Is superannuation included in the quoted salary?
No. Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the employee's ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. When comparing an operating theatre technician salary, remember that the quoted hourly or annual figure does not include super. The employer must pay super separately into a complying fund.
Related guides
- Theatre Technician Salary Guide: Minimum Rates, Award Coverage and Median Earnings
The median full-time weekly earnings for performing arts technicians is $1,844, but the legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or applicable award rate), with superannuation paid on top.
- Lab Technician Salary: Which Pay Floor Applies in Australia?
The legal minimum for a lab technician depends on the award classification, with rates starting at $26.97 per hour under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, but actual salaries can be higher.
- Dental technician salary: what the pay floor is and where to find award rates
The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) applies as a floor, but a modern award or enterprise agreement may set a higher dental technician salary.
- Anaesthetic technician salary: what the law says and where to find the real rate
The legal minimum for an award-free adult anaesthetic technician is $26.44 per hour, but most are covered by the Health Services Award or an enterprise agreement, which can set a higher rate.