What is the minimum hourly rate for a paramedic in Perth?

Under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a full-time Ambulance Officer (paramedic) is $34.46 in the first year, $34.72 in the second year, and $34.92 from the third year onward. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $43.08 per hour for a year‑1 officer.

Do all paramedics in Perth receive the award rate?

Not necessarily. Many paramedics are covered by enterprise agreements negotiated between employers and unions, which often set higher base rates, allowances, and penalty payments. The award rate is the legal minimum; your actual pay may be higher if an enterprise agreement or individual contract applies. Always check your classification and any applicable agreement.

Does the paramedic salary in Perth include superannuation?

No. The award rates quoted are base pay only. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee, which is 12% of ordinary time earnings, on top of the hourly or weekly rate. For a year‑1 Ambulance Officer working 38 hours per week, that adds about $157.14 per week in super contributions.

Paramedic Salary Perth: Award Minimum Rates and How to Check Your Pay

The minimum hourly rate for a qualified Ambulance Officer (paramedic) in Perth under the national award is $34.46 for year 1, rising to $34.92 by year 3, with 12% super on top.

Paramedic Salary Perth: Understanding the Legal Minimum

If you are looking up a paramedic salary Perth, the first step is to know the legal pay floor set by the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020. This award covers paramedics, ambulance officers, patient transport officers, and related roles across Australia, including Western Australia. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the full award and a pay guide that lists minimum rates for each classification.

Award Minimum Rates for Ambulance Officers

For a qualified Ambulance Officer (the classification that includes most paramedics), the minimum weekly and hourly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

Year 1: $1,309.50 per week / $34.46 per hour
Year 2: $1,319.50 per week / $34.72 per hour
Year 3 and above: $1,326.90 per week / $34.92 per hour

These rates apply to full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate but work fewer hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate, so a year‑1 casual earns $43.08 per hour.

How to Check Your Pay Against the Award

To see if your paramedic salary Perth meets the legal minimum, compare your hourly rate to the award rate for your classification and year of service. If your rate is lower, your employer may be underpaying you. Remember that the award also includes penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and shift work, as well as allowances for things like on-call or intensive care skills. The pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman provides a full breakdown.

Enterprise Agreements Often Set Higher Rates

Many ambulance services in Perth operate under enterprise agreements that go beyond the award. For example, St John Ambulance WA has its own agreement with higher base rates and additional allowances. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets your minimum pay – and it must be at least as high as the award. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

All minimum rates discussed are before super. Employers must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings to your super fund. For a year‑1 Ambulance Officer earning $1,309.50 per week, that is an extra $157.14 per week in super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is paid on top.

Other Classifications in the Award

The award covers many roles beyond paramedic. For example, a Patient Transport Officer has a minimum rate of $32.50 per hour (year 3), while a Communications Call Taker earns $32.50 per hour. Student paramedics have lower rates, starting at $31.03 per hour for Level 1 in the first year. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide lists all classifications.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rate

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, paramedics are covered by a modern award, so the award rate applies instead. The award rate is higher than the national minimum, reflecting the skilled nature of the work. If you are award‑free (unlikely for paramedics), the national minimum would apply.

Using This Site to Compare Rates

Our Rate tables show the national minimum wage and award rates for many industries. You can also read How the figures work to understand how minimum wages are set and enforced. Remember that the figures on this site are for orientation only – always refer to the official award or your enterprise agreement for your exact entitlement.

Summary

When researching a paramedic salary Perth, start with the award minimum: $34.46 per hour for a first‑year Ambulance Officer. Then check if your employer has an enterprise agreement that pays more. Add 12% super on top to see your total remuneration package. If you suspect underpayment, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union.