Pathology collector pay rates from 1 October 2026 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award: hourly, casual, weekend and public holiday rates, what collectors actually earn according to the ATO, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A pathology collector earns at least $30.45 an hour ($38.06 casual), or $32.67 as a qualified Level 7 collector.
Pathology collectors (phlebotomists) take blood and other samples in collection centres, hospitals, aged care homes and patients' homes for the big pathology providers. Many work part time or casual, often starting early in the morning.
Pathology collector award rates
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support services level 5 - pathology collector | $30.45 | $38.06 | $60,174 | $1,942 |
| Support services level 6 - pathology collector | $30.63 | $38.29 | $60,523 | $1,951 |
| Support services level 7 - pathology collector (unqualified) | $31.67 | $39.59 | $62,582 | $2,004 |
| Support services level 7 - pathology collector (qualified) | $32.67 | $40.84 | $64,553 | $2,054 |
Shift, weekend and public holiday rates
| Classification | Shiftwork Mon-Fri | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 - pathology collector | $35.02 | $45.68 | $45.68 | $76.13 |
| Level 6 - pathology collector | $35.22 | $45.95 | $45.95 | $76.58 |
| Level 7 - pathology collector (unqualified) | $36.42 | $47.51 | $47.51 | $79.18 |
| Level 7 - pathology collector (qualified) | $37.57 | $49.01 | $49.01 | $81.68 |
Full-time and part-time rates. Full-time is 38 hours a week; per year is the weekly rate × 52.
What pathology collectors actually earn
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median | Average | Median, men | Median, women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathology collector | 12,768 | $45,798 | $45,294 | $51,886 | $45,015 |
ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A, salary or wage, including part-time and casual workers.
See also Health Professionals Award pay rates, enrolled nurse pay and the casual loading calculator.
Common questions
How much does a pathology collector earn?
At least $30.45 an hour under the award from 1 October 2026 ($38.06 casual), or $32.67 for a qualified Level 7 collector. Full time that's $60,174 to $64,553 a year. The ATO median salary or wage was $45,798 in 2023-24, including part-timers.
What is the weekend rate for pathology collectors?
Saturday and Sunday are 150%: $45.68 an hour at Level 5. Public holidays are $76.13.
What is the difference between Level 5, 6 and 7?
The award classifies pathology collectors as support services employees. Level 7 has a qualified and an unqualified rate; the qualified rate applies to collectors who hold the relevant qualification set out in the award.
Which award covers pathology collectors?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which has its own pay rates for pathology collectors.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027], first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.