Vet Salary Guide 2026: Award Rates, Median Pay and Casual Loading

Understanding the Vet Salary Landscape in Australia

When researching a vet salary, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by the award, the median earnings reported by the ABS, and what an individual employer may offer. This guide focuses on the pay floors that apply to veterinary surgeons, nurses, receptionists, and other animal care workers under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118).

Award Minimum Rates for Veterinary Surgeons

The Fair Work Commission’s award, effective from 1 July 2026, sets the following minimum annual salaries and hourly rates for full-time veterinary surgeons:

• Level 1A: $67,582 per year / $34.20 per hour
• Level 1B: $71,300 per year / $36.08 per hour
• Level 2: $77,032 per year / $38.98 per hour
• Level 3: $84,628 per year / $42.83 per hour
• Level 4: $95,593 per year / $48.38 per hour

These rates are calculated by dividing the annual salary by 52 weeks and then by 38 ordinary hours. Employers must pay at least these amounts, and superannuation (currently 12%) is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Rates for Other Veterinary Staff

The award also covers practice managers, veterinary nurses, receptionists, animal attendants, and inspectors. For example, a Level 2 veterinary nurse receives a minimum weekly rate of $1,073.10 ($28.24 per hour) from 1 July 2026. A Level 5 practice manager earns $1,283.10 per week ($33.77 per hour). Inspectors have separate salary classifications starting at $67,582 (Level 1).

Casual Loading and Penalty Rates

Casual employees in the veterinary industry are entitled to a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For instance, a casual veterinary surgeon at Level 1A receives $42.75 per hour. Penalty rates apply for work on public holidays, weekends, and overtime. The award specifies that veterinary surgeons on public holidays are paid double time (200% of the ordinary rate), while other staff may receive 150% or 200% depending on the day.

How the Median Vet Salary Compares

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for veterinarians is $2,413. This is significantly higher than the award minimum for a Level 4 vet ($1,838 per week based on 38 hours). The median figure includes experienced vets and those in senior roles, so it is not a floor but a benchmark for market rates.

Junior Rates and Age Percentages

The award allows junior employees (under 21) to be paid a percentage of the adult rate. For veterinary surgeons and other classifications, the percentages are:

• Under 17: 50%
• 17 years: 60%
• 18 years: 70%
• 19 years: 80%
• 20 years: 90%

Award-free juniors have different percentages set by the national minimum wage, but most veterinary staff are covered by the award.

Superannuation and Other Entitlements

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the salary. The award also includes provisions for allowances (e.g., for leading hands, first aid), overtime, and annual leave loading.

Which Pay Floor Applies?

If you are a national system employee working in veterinary surgery or animal care, the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award is likely your minimum safety net. Some employers may have enterprise agreements that provide higher rates. If you are award-free (rare in this industry), the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) applies for adults, but award rates are generally higher.

For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and Rate tables for all classifications.

How the Figures Work

The award rates are legally binding minimums. The median figure from the ABS is a statistical measure of what full-time vets earn, not a legal requirement. Always check your specific classification and any applicable agreement. Our How the figures work page explains the methodology.

Topics Covered

This guide covers award rates, casual loading, junior percentages, and penalties. For broader information, visit our Topics page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum hourly rate for a veterinary surgeon under the award? From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award sets minimum hourly rates for veterinary surgeons: Level 1A $34.20, Level 1B $36.08, Level 2 $38.98, Level 3 $42.83, Level 4 $48.38. These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top.

How does casual loading apply to vet salaries? Casual veterinary surgeons under the award are paid an additional 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1A casual vet earns $42.75 per hour ($34.20 × 1.25). The loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements. Casual rates for other classifications (nurses, receptionists) also include a 25% loading.

Are junior rates applicable for veterinary staff? Yes. The award includes junior rates for employees under 21. For veterinary surgeons, nurses and receptionists, the percentage of the adult rate applies: under 17 – 50%, 17 – 60%, 18 – 70%, 19 – 80%, 20 – 90%. These percentages are applied to the relevant classification rate. Note that award-free juniors have different percentages set by the national minimum wage order.