What is the minimum hourly rate for a pathology collector?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, the minimum hourly rate for a pathology collector depends on their classification level and experience. As of 1 April 2026, a Level 5 entry-level collector (unqualified with less than 12 months’ experience) receives $30.45 per hour. A Level 6 qualified collector (Certificate III with less than 12 months’ experience, or unqualified with 12 months to 2 years’ experience) receives $30.63 per hour. Level 7 rates are $31.67 (unqualified with 2+ years’ experience) or $32.67 (qualified with 12+ months’ experience or previously Level 6). These rates are before superannuation.

Are pathology collectors covered by an award?

Yes. Most pathology collectors in Australia are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), administered by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions. If you are employed in the private health sector or by a pathology laboratory, you are likely award-covered. Some employees may be covered by an enterprise agreement that provides higher pay, but the award remains the legal safety net.

Can a pathology collector be paid less than the award rate?

No. The award rate is the legal minimum. However, junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate based on age, as set out in the award. Apprentices and trainees also have separate rates. Award-free employees (rare for pathology collectors) would fall back to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). Always check your classification and any applicable agreement to ensure you are receiving at least the correct minimum.

Pathology collector salary: award rates and legal minimums in Australia

The legal minimum for pathology collectors under the Health Services Award ranges from $30.45 to $32.67 per hour depending on qualifications and experience, plus 12% superannuation.

Understanding the pathology collector salary floor

When researching a pathology collector salary, the first thing to know is that most pathology collectors are covered by a modern award, not the national minimum wage. The award sets higher minimum rates that reflect the skills and responsibilities of the role. This guide explains the legal minimums, how award coverage works, and what happens if you are award-free.

Award coverage for pathology collectors

Pathology collectors are classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which is enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award covers employees in pathology collection, including those working for private pathology laboratories, hospitals, and medical centres. If you are employed in this role, your employer must pay at least the award rate for your classification level.

From 1 April 2026, the Fair Work Commission introduced new classification structures for pathology collectors as part of a gender-based undervaluation review. This means your classification depends on your qualifications and years of industry experience. The award now has specific levels for pathology collectors: Level 5 (entry-level unqualified), Level 6 (qualified or some experience), and Level 7 (experienced qualified or unqualified with 2+ years).

Award rates explained

The minimum hourly rates for pathology collectors under the award (effective from 1 April 2026) are:

Level 5 (entry-level, unqualified with less than 12 months’ experience): $30.45 per hour, $1,157.20 per week.
Level 6 (Certificate III in pathology collection with less than 12 months’ experience, or unqualified with 12 months to 2 years’ experience): $30.63 per hour, $1,163.90 per week.
Level 7 (unqualified with 2+ years’ experience and not previously Level 6): $31.67 per hour, $1,203.50 per week.
Level 7 (qualified with Certificate III and 12+ months’ experience, or previously classified as Level 6): $32.67 per hour, $1,241.40 per week.

These rates are the legal minimum. Many employers pay above award, especially for experienced collectors. The Fair Work Ombudsman also notes that further pay increases may apply from 1 October 2026 – check the latest pay guide on their site.

Award-free scenarios

If a pathology collector is not covered by any award or enterprise agreement (rare in this industry), the fallback is the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Award-free junior rates apply based on age (e.g., under 16: $9.73 per hour). However, because the award covers most pathology collectors, the award rates are the relevant floor.

How super fits in

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your ordinary time earnings. The current super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time pay. For example, a Level 5 pathology collector earning $30.45 per hour would receive an additional $3.65 per hour in super contributions (paid into a fund, not as cash). This is not included in the hourly rates above.

Comparing to the national minimum

The award rates for pathology collectors are significantly higher than the national minimum wage. The chart above shows the Level 5 entry rate ($30.45) compared to the national minimum ($26.44). This premium reflects the specialised nature of the work, including venipuncture, specimen handling, and patient interaction.

For more on how minimum wages apply to different roles, see Which minimum wage applies. You can also browse Rate tables for other award classifications.

Key takeaways

The legal minimum pathology collector salary is set by the Health Services Award, not the national minimum.
Rates range from $30.45 to $32.67 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.
Award-free employees (rare) would receive the national minimum of $26.44 per hour.
Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can provide higher pay, but never less than the award.

Always confirm your classification with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. This guide is for orientation only and is not legal advice.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.