What is the legal minimum wage for a paramedic in Queensland?

The legal minimum is set by the relevant award. For employees covered by the Queensland state system, the Ambulance Service Employees' Award - State 2016 applies. For national system employees, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 may apply. Both awards set rates above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). The exact classification rate depends on the employee's role and experience.

How does the median paramedic salary in QLD compare to the national minimum?

According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time paramedics and ambulance officers earn $2,852 per week before tax. That is nearly three times the national minimum weekly wage of $1,004.90. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings for most employees.

Is the paramedic salary in QLD the same for all employers?

No. The award rate is the minimum, but many paramedics are covered by enterprise agreements that can set higher pay. The Queensland Ambulance Service has its own certified agreement. Private ambulance services may use the national award or a separate agreement. Always check the applicable award or agreement for your specific role.

Paramedic Salary QLD: Which Pay Floor Applies and How It Compares

The legal minimum for paramedics in Queensland is set by the Ambulance Service Employees' Award - State 2016, with rates above the national minimum of $26.44/h; median full-time earnings are $2,852 per week (ABS).

Which pay floor applies to a paramedic salary in QLD?

When researching a paramedic salary in QLD, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages and negotiated rates. The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. However, paramedics are almost always covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that requires a higher rate.

The relevant award for Queensland public sector paramedics is the Ambulance Service Employees' Award - State 2016, administered by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. This award sets minimum pay rates for classifications such as Ambulance Officer and Intensive Care Paramedic. For private-sector paramedics in the national system, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 may apply. Both awards have rates well above the national minimum.

Survey average vs legal minimum

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides median earnings data for the occupation group "Ambulance Officers and Paramedics." As of May 2025, the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,852, and median hourly earnings are $71. This is a useful benchmark, not a legal minimum. The median is nearly three times the national minimum weekly wage of $1,004.90 per week.

Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings for most employees. This means the total employment cost for a paramedic on the median salary is higher than the base pay.

How the figures work

The national minimum wage applies to award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. Most private-sector paramedics are in the national system, but many are covered by an award. The state system covers Queensland public sector employees, including those in the Queensland Ambulance Service. The Ambulance Service Employees' Award - State 2016 sets the minimum for those workers.

Award rates can be higher

If you are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the employer must pay at least the rate specified. The award rate for a paramedic in QLD will be higher than the national minimum. For example, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 includes classification rates that exceed $26.44 per hour. The exact rate depends on the classification level and experience.

Casual loading

Casual employees receive a loading on top of the base rate. For award-free employees, the casual rate is $33.05 per hour (25% loading). Under an award, the casual loading may be different, often 25% or a set amount.

What people mix up about paramedic salary in QLD

A common confusion is assuming the national minimum wage applies to all paramedics. In reality, paramedics are skilled professionals covered by specific awards that set higher minimums. Another mix-up is treating the ABS median as a guaranteed wage. The median is a statistical midpoint; actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.

Enterprise agreements

Many paramedics in QLD work under enterprise agreements that provide pay above the award. For example, the Queensland Ambulance Service has a certified agreement with pay scales that are publicly available. These agreements often include allowances for shift work, overtime, and on-call duties.

Summary

Legal minimum: Set by the relevant award (state or national), not the national minimum wage.
Median earnings: $2,852 per week (ABS), a guide not a floor.
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.
Casual loading: 25% for award-free, check award for exact rate.

For more details on which minimum wage applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. For rate tables, see Rate tables. For methodology, see How the figures work.

Important notes

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. The rates mentioned are for adult employees. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees may receive lower rates. Always check the specific award or agreement that covers your employment.

This information is for orientation only and is not a pay determination or legal advice.