What your zookeeper salary looks like after tax and Medicare

Understanding your zookeeper salary

When you look at a job advertisement for a zookeeper, the figure you see is usually the base salary before tax and before the Medicare levy. What actually lands in your bank account each fortnight depends on three things: the tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and whether super is quoted on top. This guide walks you through each one so you can estimate your take-home pay.

Award rates and the minimum wage

Zookeepers are covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020. Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the minimum hourly rates for animal attendants, which apply to most zookeeper roles. The rates from 1 July 2026 are:

• Introductory level: $25.74 per hour
• Level 1: $26.44 per hour (this matches the national minimum wage)
• Level 2: $28.24 per hour
• Level 3: $29.45 per hour
• Level 4: $32.13 per hour

These are the legal minimums. Many zookeepers are employed at Level 2 or Level 3 depending on experience and duties. The national minimum wage itself is $26.44 an hour and $1,004.90 a week, as set by Fair Work. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median weekly earnings for zookeepers are not available, so the award rates are the best benchmark for planning your budget.

Tax brackets and your take-home pay

Your zookeeper salary is taxed using the resident tax rates for 2026-27. The Australian Taxation Office applies these brackets:

• Up to $18,200: nil tax
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15c for each dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each dollar over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each dollar over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which can reduce your tax by up to $700 if your taxable income is below $37,500, then phases out. For a full-time zookeeper earning around $55,000 to $65,000, the LITO provides a small reduction. Use our Take-home pay tool to see your exact fortnightly amount.

The Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, and it applies to most full-time workers. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading-in rate of 10c per dollar applies. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Since a full-time zookeeper at the minimum wage earns about $52,255 a year, you will pay the full 2% Medicare levy. That means $1,045 of your annual salary goes to Medicare before you see it in your bank account.

Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. This is paid by your employer on top of your salary. If a job advertisement says "$55,000 plus super", your employer will contribute an extra $6,600 to your super fund. Super is not deducted from your take-home pay; it is an additional benefit. However, if the ad says "$55,000 including super", then the base salary is lower. Always check the wording. For more on how super works with your salary, see our Super guide.

Example: take-home for a Level 2 zookeeper

Let's say you are a full-time zookeeper at Level 2, earning $28.24 per hour for 38 hours a week. That works out to $1,073.12 per week, or $55,802 annually. Using the 2026-27 tax rates and the full 2% Medicare levy, your estimated annual tax is about $8,241 and Medicare levy about $1,116. Your take-home pay would be approximately $46,445 per year, or $1,786 per fortnight. This is a guide only; your actual take-home depends on your exact classification, hours, and any salary packaging. Check our Tax and Medicare page for a detailed breakdown.

Conclusion

Your zookeeper salary is more than just the hourly rate. The tax brackets, Medicare levy, and super all affect what you keep and what you save for retirement. By understanding the award rates and using the tools on this site, you can plan your finances with confidence. Remember that the minimum wage is $26.44 an hour and $1,004.90 a week, and your actual pay may be higher depending on your level. For personalised estimates, try our Clearance tool.