What is the minimum wage for a veterinarian in Australia?

The minimum wage for a veterinarian is set by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020. As of 1 July 2026, a Level 1A veterinary surgeon must be paid at least $34.20 per hour ($67,582 per year), with higher levels up to $48.38 per hour ($95,593 per year). These rates are the legal floor; many vets earn above award.

How does the median veterinarian salary compare to the national average?

According to the ABS (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for veterinarians is $2,413, well above the national all-occupations median of $1,852. The median hourly rate is $64, compared to $47 across all occupations. This reflects the specialised skills and qualifications required.

Is superannuation included in the veterinarian salary figures?

No. The award rates and ABS median earnings are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay an additional 12% super guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, a vet earning $2,413 per week would also receive about $289.56 in super, bringing total remuneration to $2,702.56.

Veterinarian Salary Guide: Award Minimums, Median Earnings, and Super

The legal minimum for a qualified veterinarian is set by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award, with rates from $34.20 per hour (Level 1A) up to $48.38 (Level 4), while the ABS reports a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,413.

Understanding the veterinarian salary in Australia

When researching a veterinarian salary, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum, the typical market rate, and the total package including superannuation. This guide uses the most current public data from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to give you a clear picture.

Legal minimum: the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award

Most veterinarians in private practice are covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (the Award). The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them. The Award classifies veterinary surgeons into four levels based on experience and responsibility:

Classification	Minimum annual salary	Minimum hourly rate
Level 1A	$67,582	$34.20
Level 1B	$71,300	$36.08
Level 2	$77,032	$38.98
Level 3	$84,628	$42.83
Level 4	$95,593	$48.38

These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. A full-time employee works an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, so a Level 1A casual vet gets $42.75 per hour.

Note that junior rates apply for employees under 21 (e.g., 50% at under 17, 60% at 17, etc.), but most qualified vets are adults. The Award also covers veterinary nurses, receptionists, practice managers, and animal attendants with their own classification rates.

Survey average: ABS median earnings

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) provides a useful benchmark. For full-time non-managerial veterinarians, the median weekly earnings before tax are $2,413, and the median hourly earnings are $64. This is significantly higher than the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week and $47 per hour. About 73% of vets work full-time, and the median age is 37.

These figures are a survey average, not a minimum. They reflect the typical pay for experienced vets, including those with years of practice. Your actual salary may be higher or lower depending on location, specialisation, and employer.

How superannuation fits in

Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of your salary. The current super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a vet earning the median $2,413 per week, the employer must add $289.56 in super, making total remuneration about $2,702.56 per week. Award rates and ABS figures are both quoted before super.

When an award or agreement can set a higher rate

The Award sets the minimum. Many employers pay above award through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. A registered enterprise agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission can provide higher wages or better conditions, but it cannot undercut the award minimum. Always check your employment contract against the relevant award.

Which minimum wage applies?

For award-free employees (rare in veterinary practice), the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) applies from 1 July 2026. However, because most vets are covered by the Award, the award rates above are the relevant floor. See our Which minimum wage applies guide for more detail.

Rate tables and further reading

For a complete list of award rates including veterinary nurses and receptionists, visit our Rate tables page. You can also explore Guides for other occupations.

Summary

Legal minimum (Award): $34.20–$48.38 per hour depending on level.
Median earnings (ABS): $2,413 per week ($64 per hour).
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.
National minimum (if award-free): $26.44 per hour.

Use this information as a starting point when negotiating your salary or understanding your pay. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman for the most current award rates.