What is the minimum pathology salary under the award?

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for pathology collectors. For a Level 5 entry-level collector with less than 12 months’ experience, the minimum is $30.45 per hour. A Level 6 qualified collector (Certificate III or 12 months to 2 years’ experience) earns at least $30.63 per hour. Level 7 qualified collectors (Certificate III with 12+ months’ experience or previously Level 6) receive $32.67 per hour. These rates apply from 1 October 2026.

How does experience affect a pathology collector’s pay?

Experience determines the classification level. A collector with less than 12 months’ industry experience starts at Level 5. After 12 months to 2 years (or with a Certificate III), they move to Level 6. After 2 years or more (with Certificate III or previously Level 6), they reach Level 7. Each level has a higher minimum rate. Experience does not have to be with the same employer.

Do pathology collectors receive casual loading?

Yes. Casual employees covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award are entitled to a casual loading of 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 6 qualified collector would receive $38.29 per hour as a casual (minimum rate $30.63 plus 25%). This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements.

Pathology Salary Guide 2026: Award Rates and Minimum Pay

The minimum hourly rate for a pathology collector ranges from $30.45 (Level 5 entry) to $32.67 (Level 7 qualified), plus 12% super.

Understanding the pathology salary under the Health Services Award

When researching a pathology salary in Australia, the first step is identifying the correct pay floor. Most pathology collectors are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum rates that are higher than the national minimum wage. This guide explains the award rates, how they compare with the legal minimum, and what you can expect to earn.

Legal minimum vs award rates

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, pathology collectors are almost always covered by the Health Services Award, which provides higher minimums. The award is a legally enforceable document that overrides the national minimum. If your employer is not paying at least the award rate, they are breaking the law.

Award classifications for pathology collectors

The Health Services Award has specific classifications for pathology collectors, introduced as part of the Fair Work Commission’s gender undervaluation review. From 1 October 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:

Level 5 (entry level, unqualified with less than 12 months’ experience): $30.45
Level 6 (qualified with Certificate III in pathology collection, or unqualified with 12 months to 2 years’ experience): $30.63
Level 7 (unqualified with 2+ years’ experience and not previously Level 6): $31.67
Level 7 (qualified with Certificate III and 12+ months’ experience, or previously Level 6): $32.67

These rates apply to full-time employees working a 38-hour week. Part-time and casual employees receive the same base rate, with casuals getting a 25% loading. The award also includes higher rates for health professional employees (e.g., scientists), but for collectors the above levels apply.

How superannuation fits in

On top of the hourly or weekly rate, employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So a Level 6 collector earning $30.63 per hour actually costs the employer $34.31 per hour including super. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional payment into your super fund.

Comparing with other pay measures

The ABS May 2026 report shows full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. A pathology collector at Level 6 working 38 hours earns $1,163.94 per week before tax – about 56% of the national average. This reflects the fact that pathology collection is often an entry-level or mid-level role in the health sector. However, experienced collectors at Level 7 can earn up to $1,241.40 per week, which is closer to the all-employees average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week.

Enterprise agreements can set higher rates

Some hospitals or pathology labs have enterprise agreements that provide pay above the award minimum. If you work under an agreement, your salary will be at least as high as the award. Always check your employment contract or agreement to see which rate applies. The award is the safety net, not the ceiling.

Casual loading and penalties

Casual pathology collectors receive a 25% loading on the base rate. For Level 6, that means $38.29 per hour. This loading is meant to compensate for not receiving paid sick leave or annual leave. Penalty rates for weekend or public holiday work may also apply under the award – check the award’s penalty rate clauses for your classification.

Where to find more information

For detailed rate tables, see our Rate tables page. For guidance on which award applies to your job, visit our Guides section. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the official award text and a Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your exact entitlements.

Summary

The pathology salary for collectors under the Health Services Award starts at $30.45 per hour for entry-level and rises to $32.67 for experienced qualified staff. These rates are well above the national minimum wage of $26.44. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Casual employees get a 25% loading. Always confirm your classification level with your employer, and remember that enterprise agreements may offer more.