Health Professionals and Support Services Award pay rates
Award code MA000027, with rates in force from 1 October 2026.
Minimum pay for 45 adult classifications under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, from 1 October 2026: $26.97 to $65.77 an hour before tax. Casuals get a 25% loading on top.
Lowest adult rate
$26.97an hour
For Level 1. $1,024.70 for a full-time week. Up 4.78% from $25.74. Casuals get $33.71 an hour, with the 25% loading.
Its lowest adult rate is $26.97 an hour, 2.0% above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 40 have a higher minimum. The dashed line is the minimum wage; each tick is another award.
Pay by group of classifications
Dollars an hour, from 1 October 2026- Employees other than dental assistants and pathology collectors13 classifications$26.97 to $39.42
- Dental assistants, until 31 December 20264 classifications$29.11 to $31.67
- Pathology collectors, until 31 December 20264 classifications$30.45 to $32.67
- Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 54 classifications$32.44 to $40.56
- Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 64 classifications$32.44 to $43.67
- Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 74 classifications$34.44 to $44.46
- Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 84 classifications$35.19 to $45.30
- Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 94 classifications$38.02 to $46.18
- Health Professional employee, Levels 2, 3 and 44 classifications$51.19 to $65.77
Every classification in each group is in the tables below.
Penalty rates at a glance
Percent of the ordinary rate, and dollars an hour at Level 1.
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$26.97 |
| Shiftwork | 115%$31.02 |
| Between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | 150%$40.46 |
| Public holiday | 250%$67.43 |
Minimum pay by classification from 1 October 2026
Weekly rates are for a full-time week; hourly rates apply to full-time and part-time hours. Casual hourly adds the 25% loading.
Employees other than dental assistants and pathology collectorsClause 16.2(a)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,024.70 | $26.97 | $33.71 |
| Level 2 | $1,065.20 | $28.03 | $35.04 |
| Level 3 | $1,106.20 | $29.11 | $36.39 |
| Level 4 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
| Level 5 | $1,157.20 | $30.45 | $38.06 |
| Level 6 | $1,219.50 | $32.09 | $40.11 |
| Level 7 | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $40.84 |
| Level 8Level 8, pay point 1 | $1,283.50 | $33.78 | $42.23 |
| Level 8Level 8, pay point 2 | $1,317.20 | $34.66 | $43.32 |
| Level 8Level 8, pay point 3 | $1,409.70 | $37.10 | $46.38 |
| Level 9Level 9, pay point 1 | $1,435.00 | $37.76 | $47.20 |
| Level 9Level 9, pay point 2 | $1,485.90 | $39.10 | $48.88 |
| Level 9Level 9, pay point 3 | $1,497.80 | $39.42 | $49.28 |
Dental assistants, until 31 December 2026Clause 16.2(b)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | $1,106.20 | $29.11 | $36.39 |
| Level 5 | $1,107.80 | $29.15 | $36.44 |
| Level 6 | $1,163.90 | $30.63 | $38.29 |
| Level 7 | $1,203.50 | $31.67 | $39.59 |
Pathology collectors, until 31 December 2026Clause 16.2(c)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | $1,157.20 | $30.45 | $38.06 |
| Level 6 | $1,163.90 | $30.63 | $38.29 |
| Level 7 (unqualified and not previously Level 6) | $1,203.50 | $31.67 | $39.59 |
| Level 7 (qualified or previously Level 6) | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $40.84 |
Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 5Clause 17.1(a)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 5AQF Level 5, 1st year | $1,232.70 | $32.44 | $40.55 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 5AQF Level 5, 2nd – 3rd year | $1,308.80 | $34.44 | $43.05 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 5AQF Level 5, 4th – 6th year | $1,426.00 | $37.53 | $46.91 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 5AQF Level 5, 7th year+ | $1,541.30 | $40.56 | $50.70 |
Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 6Clause 17.1(b)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 6AQF Level 6, 1st year | $1,232.70 | $32.44 | $40.55 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 6AQF Level 6, 2nd – 3rd year | $1,308.80 | $34.44 | $43.05 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 6AQF Level 6, 4th – 6th year | $1,483.30 | $39.03 | $48.79 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 6AQF Level 6, 7th year+ | $1,659.30 | $43.67 | $54.59 |
Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 7Clause 17.1(c)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 7AQF Level 7, 1st year | $1,308.80 | $34.44 | $43.05 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 7AQF Level 7, 2nd – 3rd year | $1,409.00 | $37.08 | $46.35 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 7AQF Level 7, 4th – 6th year | $1,565.30 | $41.19 | $51.49 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 7AQF Level 7, 7th year+ | $1,689.50 | $44.46 | $55.58 |
Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 8Clause 17.1(d)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 8AQF Level 8, 1st year | $1,337.10 | $35.19 | $43.99 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 8AQF Level 8, 2nd – 3rd year | $1,444.90 | $38.02 | $47.53 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 8AQF Level 8, 4th – 6th year | $1,584.90 | $41.71 | $52.14 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 8AQF Level 8, 7th year+ | $1,721.40 | $45.30 | $56.63 |
Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 9Clause 17.1(e)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 9AQF Level 9, 1st year | $1,444.90 | $38.02 | $47.53 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 9AQF Level 9, 2nd – 3rd year | $1,545.20 | $40.66 | $50.82 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 9AQF Level 9, 4th – 6th year | $1,659.30 | $43.67 | $54.59 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 1, AQF Level 9AQF Level 9, 7th year+ | $1,755.00 | $46.18 | $57.73 |
Health Professional employee, Levels 2, 3 and 4Clause 17.2
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professional employee, Level 3 | $1,983.20 | $52.19 | $65.24 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 4 | $2,499.10 | $65.77 | $82.21 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 2Level 2.1 | $1,945.40 | $51.19 | $63.99 |
| Health Professional employee, Level 2Level 2.2 | $1,983.20 | $52.19 | $65.24 |
Penalty and overtime rates
Percentages as the award sets them, and what they come to an hour at the first adult level. Higher classifications get the same percentages of their own rate. The tick on each bar marks 100%, the ordinary rate.
Evenings, weekends and public holidays
Full-time and part-time health professional employees: ordinary hours and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at AQF Level 5, 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$32.44 |
| Shiftwork | 115%$37.31 |
| Between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | 150%$48.66 |
| Public holiday | 250%$81.10 |
Full-time and part-time support services employees: dental assistants, ordinary hours and penalty rates, until 31 December 2026
Dollars an hour at Level 3
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$29.11 |
| Shiftwork | 115%$33.48 |
| Between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | 150%$43.67 |
| Public holiday | 250%$72.78 |
Full-time and part-time support services employees: other than dental assistants and pathology collectors
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$26.97 |
| Shiftwork | 115%$31.02 |
| Between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | 150%$40.46 |
| Public holiday | 250%$67.43 |
Full-time and part-time support services employees: pathology collectors, ordinary hours and penalty rates, until 31 December 2026
Dollars an hour at Level 5
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 100%$30.45 |
| Shiftwork | 115%$35.02 |
| Between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | 150%$45.68 |
| Public holiday | 250%$76.13 |
Casual health professional employees: ordinary hours and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at the first adult level
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 125%$40.55 |
| Shiftwork | 140%$45.42 |
| Saturday and Sunday | 175%$56.77 |
| Public holiday | 275%$89.21 |
Casual support service employees: dental assistants, ordinary hours and penalty rates, until 31 December 2026
Dollars an hour at Level 3
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 125%$36.39 |
| Shiftwork | 140%$40.75 |
| Saturday or Sunday | 175%$50.94 |
| Public holiday | 275%$80.05 |
Casual support service employees: other than dental assistants and pathology collectors, ordinary hours and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 125%$33.71 |
| Shiftwork | 140%$37.76 |
| Saturday or Sunday | 175%$47.20 |
| Public holiday | 275%$74.17 |
Casual support service employees: pathology collectors, ordinary hours and penalty rates, until 31 December 2026
Dollars an hour at Level 5
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | 125%$38.06 |
| Shiftwork | 140%$42.63 |
| Saturday or Sunday | 175%$53.29 |
| Public holiday | 275%$83.74 |
Overtime
Full-time and part-time health professional employees: overtime
Dollars an hour at AQF Level 5, 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$48.66 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$64.88 |
| Sunday | 200%$64.88 |
| Public holiday | 250%$81.10 |
Full-time and part-time support services employees: pathology collectors, overtime, , until 31 December 2026
Dollars an hour at Level 5
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$45.68 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$60.90 |
| Sunday | 200%$60.90 |
| Public holiday | 250%$76.13 |
Full-time and part-time support services employees: dental assistants, overtime, until 31 December 2026
Dollars an hour at Level 3
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$43.67 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$58.22 |
| Sunday | 200%$58.22 |
| Public holiday | 250%$72.78 |
Full-time and part-time support services employees: other than dental assistants and pathology collectors, overtime
Dollars an hour at Level 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$40.46 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$53.94 |
| Sunday | 200%$53.94 |
| Public holiday | 250%$67.43 |
Allowances paid on top
8 allowances are for the work itself, paid when the job calls for it, and 13 cover costs you'd otherwise pay yourself, like meals, laundry or travel. The amounts are the Commission's, in force today; the award sets out exactly who gets each one and when.
For the work
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat allowance | ||
| Between 40°C and 46°CClause 23.2(a)(iii) | $0.61 per hour or part thereof | |
| Exceeds 46°CClause 23.2(a)(iii) | $0.73 per hour or part thereof | |
| Nauseous work allowance | ||
| Per hour or part thereofClause 23.2(b)(i) | $0.61 per hour or part thereof | |
| Minimum per weekClause 23.2(b)(ii) | $3.29 a week | |
| Occasional interpreting allowance | ||
| Maximum per weekClause 23.2(c) | $15.49 a week | |
| Per occasionClause 23.2(c) | $1.34 each time | |
| On-call allowance, per 24 hour period or part thereof | ||
| Monday to SaturdayClause 23.2(d)(i) | $26.34 per 24 hour period | |
| Sunday or public holidayClause 23.2(d)(ii) | $52.56 per 24 hour period | |
To cover costs
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Laundering allowance, the lesser of | ||
| Per shift or part thereofClause 18.3(b) | $0.32 a shift | |
| Per weekClause 18.3(b) | $1.49 a week | |
| Per shift or part thereofClause 23.3(b)(iii) | $0.33 a shift | |
| Per weekClause 23.3(b)(iii) | $1.53 a week | |
| Uniform allowance, the lesser of | ||
| Per shift or part thereofClause 23.3(b)(ii) | $1.26 a shift | |
| Per weekClause 23.3(b)(ii) | $6.41 a week | |
| Board and lodging | ||
| Employees receiving full adult rate of payClause 23.3(d)(i) | $36.83 a week | |
| TraineesClause 23.3(d)(ii) | $16.64 a week | |
| Where employees buy their meals at ruling cafeteria ratesClause 23.3(d)(iii) | $22.93 a week | |
| Meal allowance | ||
| More than one hour of overtimeClause 23.3(e)(i) | $17.30 each time | |
| Further meal allowance where overtime exceeds 4 hoursClause 23.3(e)(ii) | $15.60 each time | |
| Tool allowance, chefs and cooks not provided with all necessary toolsClause 23.3(g) | $13.41 a week | |
| Motor vehicle allowanceClause 23.3(h)(i) | $1.01 a km | |
The award is the final word
These are the minimum rates the Fair Work Commission publishes for the award. Shift rules, rostering and who each classification covers are in the award itself, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay. Employees no award or agreement covers get the National Minimum Wage: $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Questions people ask
- What is the minimum pay rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award?
- From 1 October 2026, the lowest adult rate is $26.97 an hour ($1,024.70 a week full time), for Level 1. The highest adult classification is $65.77 an hour.
- How does the Health Professionals and Support Services Award minimum compare?
- Its lowest adult rate is $26.97 an hour, 2.0% above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 40 have a higher minimum.
- How much did Health Professionals and Support Services Award rates go up on 1 October 2026?
- The lowest adult rate rose 4.78%, from $25.74 to $26.97 an hour, in the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. The table shows each classification's rate before and after.
- What is the casual loading under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award?
- 25% on top of the ordinary hourly rate, paid instead of leave entitlements. For Level 1 that makes $33.71 an hour.
- What are Sunday rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award?
- Full-time and part-time employees get 150% of the ordinary rate on Sunday: $48.66 an hour at AQF Level 5, 1st year. Public holidays are 250%. Casual rates are in the penalty tables above.
- What allowances are paid under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award?
- 21 allowances have a dollar amount set by the Commission, including a heat allowance, between 40°C and 46°C of $0.61 per hour or part thereof, a heat allowance, exceeds 46°C of $0.73 per hour or part thereof and a nauseous work allowance, per hour or part thereof of $0.61 per hour or part thereof. The full list, with the clause each comes from, is on this page.
- Where do these rates come from?
- The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database, which publishes every award's minimum rates; we read it when the Commission changes an award. The award itself prevails if the two ever differ, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay.
Source: Fair Work Commission, Modern Awards Pay Database, licensed CC BY 4.0, read 27 Oct 2026 and arranged by The Finance Algorithm. Not endorsed by the Fair Work Commission. Read with the award: if they differ, the award prevails. General information, not legal or payroll advice.