Perfusionist salary Australia: award coverage and minimum pay rates

Perfusionist salary Australia: understanding the pay floor

When searching for a perfusionist salary Australia, the first step is to identify the legal minimum that applies. Perfusionists operate heart-lung machines during cardiac surgery and are skilled health professionals. In Australia, they are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), as confirmed by the Fair Work Commission's award text . This award sets minimum rates for health professional employees, but the specific classification for a perfusionist is not explicitly listed in the available data. Therefore, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) acts as a safety net, but the actual minimum is likely higher under the award.

The national minimum wage as a backstop

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. This rate applies to award-free and agreement-free employees. However, most perfusionists are covered by the Health Professionals Award, which has its own minimum rates that are generally higher. The award also includes junior rates, apprentice rates, and supported wage provisions that can be lower, but these are unlikely to apply to qualified perfusionists.

Award rates for health professionals

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 includes minimum pay rates for Health Professional employees. For Level 1, the rates depend on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For example, an AQF Level 5 (diploma) employee in their first year earns $32.44 per hour, while a Level 6 (advanced diploma) employee in their seventh year earns $43.67 per hour. Perfusionists typically hold a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, which is not directly listed in the Level 1 table. They may be classified at Level 2 or above. Level 2.1 starts at $51.19 per hour, and Level 4 reaches $65.77 per hour. Without a specific classification, it is impossible to give a precise award rate for a perfusionist. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides provide updated rates for each award, but the Health Professionals guide does not list perfusionist separately.

How to compare a perfusionist salary with the minimum

If you have an hourly rate from a job offer or contract, compare it to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. If the rate is below that, it is unlawful unless you are a junior, apprentice, or on a supported wage. Next, check if your employer is covered by the Health Professionals Award. If so, the award minimum for your classification applies. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to get a personalised estimate. Remember that superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% are paid on top of your ordinary time earnings – this is not deducted from your pay but added by your employer.

Enterprise agreements and negotiated salaries

Some hospitals and health services have enterprise agreements that set higher rates than the award. These agreements are registered with the Fair Work Commission and override the award. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, your minimum pay is the rate in that agreement. Negotiated salaries above the award or agreement are also common for experienced perfusionists. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings for full-time adults at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), but this is an average across all occupations and does not reflect perfusionist-specific data.

What to do if you need a precise figure

Because the award classification for perfusionists is not publicly detailed, the best approach is to contact your employer's human resources department or your union. The Fair Work Ombudsman can also provide advice. You can also refer to the Modern Awards Pay Database for the raw data, but remember that the award text prevails over the database. For a general understanding, the national minimum wage is the floor, but a qualified perfusionist should expect a rate well above that.

Internal resources

For more information on which minimum wage applies to your situation, see Which minimum wage applies. To explore rate tables for various awards, visit Rate tables.

Important notes

This information is for guidance only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces it. Always check the specific award or enterprise agreement that covers your employment. Rates change annually, and the figures here are based on the 2026-27 financial year.

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