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Vet Salary Australia: Compare Job Offers Using Take-Home Pay

Veterinarian salaries vary widely; the award minimum for a Level 1A veterinary surgeon is $34.20 per hour, while median full-time earnings are $2,413 per week ($64 per hour).

Fortnight that clears

$3,198

Keeps 77% of taxable pay

Super
  • Nil to $18,200
  • 15%
  • 30%
  • 37%
  • 45% over $190,000

The next dollar of taxable pay is taxed at 30%, before the Medicare levy.

  • Clears
  • Income tax
  • Medicare levy
Income tax
$23,026
Medicare levy
$2,167
Super
$13,002
Week that clears
$1,599
Hour, 38h week
$42.08

Super of $13,002 is on top of this salary. It is not taken out of the fortnight.

  • This salary$3,198
  • Minimum wage$1,740
  • Full-time ordinary$3,198

Starting point is full-time ordinary-time earnings, not a rate for this role. Type a gross salary to clear it.

Minimum wageFull-time average$80,000$120,000$180,000

Vet Salary Australia: What You Need to Know

When you're comparing job offers as a veterinarian in Australia, the headline figure isn't what lands in your bank account. You need to consider award minimums, median market rates, tax, the Medicare levy, and superannuation. This guide walks you through the key numbers so you can estimate your real take-home pay.

Award Minimum Rates for Veterinary Surgeons

Under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118), veterinary surgeons are classified into levels. From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates are:

  • Level 1A: $34.20 per hour
  • Level 1B: $36.08 per hour
  • Level 2: $38.98 per hour
  • Level 3: $42.83 per hour
  • Level 4: $48.38 per hour

These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees. A full-time employee works an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees receive the same rates on a pro-rata basis. Practice managers, veterinary nurses, receptionists, and animal attendants have separate pay scales starting at $25.74 per hour for introductory levels.

Median Earnings for Veterinarians

While award rates set a floor, most experienced veterinarians earn more. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for veterinarians is $2,413, with a median hourly rate of $64. This is based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025). The median age of veterinarians is 37, and 63% are female. Full-time veterinarians work an average of 45 hours per week.

Estimating Your Take-Home Pay

To compare a job offer, you need to estimate the amount that reaches your account after tax and the Medicare levy. Here's a step-by-step using the 2026–27 tax year.

  1. Start with your gross annual salary. For example, if you earn the median $2,413 per week, your annual salary is $125,476 (52 weeks).
  2. Apply income tax. The 2026–27 rates are:
  • $0 – $18,200: nil
  • $18,201 – $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
  • $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
  • $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
  • Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000
  1. Subtract the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO). Maximum $700 if taxable income is $37,500 or less, then phases out. It can only reduce tax to zero.
  2. Add the Medicare levy. The full rate is 2% of taxable income. However, if your income is between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate (10c per $1 over the lower threshold). Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. These are the latest published single-person thresholds.
  3. Divide by 26 for fortnightly take-home. Remember, super is usually paid on top of your salary (12% from 1 July 2026) and is not deducted from your take-home pay.

For a more precise calculation, use our Take-home pay guide or the Clearance tool to enter your exact salary and circumstances.

What About Super and Salary Packaging?

Superannuation is an employer contribution, not a deduction from your salary. If a job ad says "$100,000 plus super", your take-home is based on $100,000, and super is extra. Salary packaging (e.g., novated leases) can reduce your taxable income, but it's not included in this basic estimate. Always check whether the offer is inclusive or exclusive of super.

Key Takeaways for Vet Salary Australia

  • Award minimums start at $34.20/hour for Level 1A veterinary surgeons.
  • Median full-time earnings are $2,413/week ($64/hour).
  • Use the 2026–27 tax rates and Medicare thresholds to estimate after-tax income.
  • Super is additional and does not reduce your take-home.
  • For a full breakdown of benchmarks, see our Benchmarks page.

Understanding your true take-home pay helps you negotiate confidently and choose the right role. Always check the latest tax tables from the Australian Taxation Office and the award rates from Fair Work.

Questions

What is the minimum pay for a veterinary surgeon under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award?

From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1A veterinary surgeon is $34.20, rising to $48.38 for Level 4. Full-time weekly rates range from $1,283.10 for a practice manager (Level 5) to $978.10 for introductory-level roles. These rates are set by Fair Work and apply before tax and super.

What is the median earnings for veterinarians in Australia?

According to Jobs and Skills Australia (ABS data, May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for veterinarians is $2,413, equating to about $64 per hour. This is significantly higher than the award minimum and reflects experienced practitioners. Note that 73% of veterinarians work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week.

How do I calculate my take-home pay as a veterinarian?

Start with your gross annual salary (e.g., $125,476 if earning $2,413/week for 52 weeks). Apply 2026–27 tax rates: nil on first $18,200, then 15c per $1 up to $45,000, 30c up to $135,000, etc. Subtract the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income, but reduced if income is between $28,011 and $35,013). Add the Low Income Tax Offset if eligible. The result is your after-tax income. Divide by 26 for fortnightly take-home. Super is usually paid on top of your salary and is not deducted from your take-home.

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