Perfusionist salary: what changes your take-home pay in 2026–27
No specific perfusionist salary figure is available from the provided sources; pay varies by award classification, experience, and employer.
Perfusionist salary and your take-home pay
If you are a perfusionist in Australia, understanding how your salary translates into actual bank deposits is essential. Your perfusionist salary is not just a number on a contract – it is shaped by award classifications, tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and compulsory superannuation. This guide walks through the key factors that change your fortnightly take-home pay for the 2026–27 financial year.
Award changes affecting perfusionists
Recent changes to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027) have altered classification structures and minimum pay rates for health professionals, which may include perfusionists. The Fair Work Ombudsman notes that from 1 October 2026, new classification criteria apply based on qualifications and years of experience. Pay rate increases are also phased in over several years, with further rises on 30 June 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
While no specific perfusionist salary figure is published in the search results, related medical technician roles (which include anaesthetic and cardiac technicians) have median weekly earnings of $1,539, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. This is a guide only; your actual pay will depend on your award level and employer.
Tax brackets and the Medicare levy
Your gross perfusionist salary is reduced by income tax and the Medicare levy before it reaches your bank account. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:
- Up to $18,200: nil
- $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
- $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
- $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000
The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) can reduce tax for lower incomes, but most perfusionists will be above the phase-out range.
The Medicare levy is a flat 2% of taxable income, unless you earn below the single thresholds of $28,011 or $35,013. For a full-time perfusionist, you will almost certainly pay the full 2%. This is deducted along with tax in each pay cycle.
Superannuation: not deducted from take-home
From 1 July 2026, the compulsory super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your employment contract states a salary “plus super”, that 12% is paid on top and does not reduce your take-home pay. If your contract is “salary inclusive of super”, the super component is deducted from the quoted figure. Most job ads for perfusionists are “plus super”, so your take-home is calculated on the base salary.
Fortnightly take-home example
To illustrate, assume a perfusionist earns a gross annual salary of $80,000 (plus super). Using the 2026–27 tax rates and full Medicare levy:
- Gross annual: $80,000
- Tax: $4,020 + 30% × ($80,000 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $10,500 = $14,520
- Medicare levy: 2% × $80,000 = $1,600
- Total deductions: $16,120
- Net annual: $63,880
- Fortnightly take-home: $63,880 ÷ 26 ≈ $2,457
This is a rough estimate. Your actual take-home may differ due to HELP/HECS repayments, salary packaging, or payroll rounding. Use the Take-home pay guide for a more personalised calculation.
Key benchmarks for comparison
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week, as set by Fair Work. The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (ABS, May 2026). Your perfusionist salary should be well above the minimum, but comparing to these benchmarks can help you assess your offer.
What changes your fortnight: brackets, Medicare, and super
Three main factors shift your fortnightly deposit:
- Tax brackets – As your income rises, you move into higher marginal rates. The 30% bracket applies between $45,001 and $135,000, which covers many perfusionists.
- Medicare levy – A flat 2% that is unavoidable for most full-time workers.
- Superannuation – If your salary is quoted “plus super”, the 12% is not taken from your pay. If “inclusive”, it reduces your take-home.
Understanding these elements helps you negotiate and budget. For more detail, see Tax and Medicare and Salary packaging.
Conclusion
Your perfusionist salary is not a fixed number – it is influenced by award classifications, tax law, and super arrangements. While no single figure is available from the search results, using the award pay guide and tax tables will give you a clear picture of your take-home pay. Always check your specific award classification and use the Clearance tool to estimate your net income.
Questions
What is the typical perfusionist salary in Australia?
No single figure is available from the provided sources. Perfusionists may be classified under medical technicians or health professionals; pay depends on award classification, years of experience, and employer. The median weekly earnings for medical technicians (a related group) are $1,539, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, but this is not a perfusionist-specific figure.
How does the Medicare levy affect my take-home pay?
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For the 2026–27 tax year, the latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading rate applies; above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Most full-time perfusionists will pay the full 2%.
What award covers perfusionists?
Perfusionists are likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman has recently updated classifications and pay rates for health professionals under this award, effective from 1 October 2026. You should check your classification and pay point using the award pay guide.