Paramedics Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in Australia
The minimum award rate for a paramedic (ambulance officer) is $34.46 per hour under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020, effective 1 July 2026.
Paramedics Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in Australia
When researching a paramedics salary in Australia, the first point of reference is the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award 2020 (MA000098). This modern award sets the legal minimum pay for most ambulance officers, paramedics, and patient transport staff. The Fair Work Commission establishes the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them.
Minimum Award Rates for Ambulance Officers/Paramedics
From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates for a full-time ambulance officer (paramedic) are:
- Year 1: $34.46 per hour ($1,309.50 per week)
- Year 2: $34.72 per hour ($1,319.50 per week)
- Year 3 and above: $34.92 per hour ($1,326.90 per week)
These rates are significantly higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. The award also covers student ambulance officers/paramedics at three levels, with rates ranging from $31.03 to $34.10 per hour depending on experience.
How the Award Compares to Other Pay Floors
The legal minimum for an award-covered paramedic is the award rate, not the national minimum. However, if an enterprise agreement applies, it can set a higher rate. The award rate itself is a minimum – many paramedics earn more through negotiated agreements or allowances. The ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all industries were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, but this is not a paramedic-specific figure.
Superannuation Is Paid on Top
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For an ambulance officer earning $34.46 per hour, the employer adds an extra $4.14 per hour into a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee's pay.
Other Classifications in the Award
The award covers more than just paramedics. Patient transport officers earn a minimum of $32.05 per hour (year 1), while communications call takers earn the same. Administrative officers range from $29.04 to $39.66 per hour depending on band and experience. Senior station officers can earn up to $41.43 per hour.
Casual and Part-Time Work
Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For an ambulance officer year 1, that means $43.08 per hour. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rates as full-time employees but work fewer hours. Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays also apply.
When the Award Does Not Apply
Some paramedics are covered by enterprise agreements that set higher pay and conditions. State government ambulance services often have their own agreements. If you are award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies, but this is rare in the ambulance industry. Always check your classification and any applicable agreement.
How to Check Your Pay
Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate exact rates based on your role, experience, and allowances. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database also provides detailed classification data.
For more information, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.
Summary
The paramedics salary floor under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award is $34.46 per hour for a first-year ambulance officer. This rate rises with experience and includes penalty rates and allowances. Superannuation is additional. Enterprise agreements may offer more, but the award ensures a strong minimum for this essential workforce.
For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.
Questions people ask next
Do paramedics receive casual loading on top of the award rate?
Yes. Casual employees under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award are entitled to a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For an ambulance officer year 1, the casual rate is $43.08 per hour (34.46 × 1.25). The loading compensates for the lack of paid leave.
What allowances can increase a paramedic's take-home pay?
The award provides several allowances, including a shift allowance of $59.71 per shift when finishing between 6pm and 8am or starting between 6pm and 6.30am. There are also penalties for Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday work, plus on-call and recall payments. Intensive care paramedic skills and continuing education program allowances may also apply.
How do I know if the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award covers my role?
The award covers employers throughout Australia in the ambulance and patient transport industry and their employees in classifications listed in Schedule A. This includes ambulance officers, paramedics, patient transport officers, communications call takers, and administrative officers. If you work for a state ambulance service or a private patient transport company, this award likely applies unless an enterprise agreement sets higher rates.
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