Vet nurse pay under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award from 1 July 2026: hourly, weekly and casual rates for every level, weekend, public holiday and shift rates, veterinary surgeon minimums and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A qualified vet nurse (Level 4, Certificate IV) earns at least $32.13 an hour ($40.16 casual), $1,221.10 a week or about $63,497 a year. That's $2,027 a fortnight after tax. Open in the pay calculator.
Vet nurse pay rates
| Level | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory level | $25.74 | $32.18 | $978.10 | $50,861 | $1,704 |
| Level 1 | $26.44 | $33.05 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $1,740 |
| Level 2 | $28.24 | $35.30 | $1,073.10 | $55,801 | $1,830 |
| Level 3 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Level 4 | $32.13 | $40.16 | $1,221.10 | $63,497 | $2,027 |
The award uses the same levels for receptionists, animal attendants and assistants. Full-time weekly rate for 38 hours; take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
Which level am I?
- Introductory level and Level 1: New starters with no industry experience begin at the introductory level for up to 3 months with on-the-job training; Level 1 works under direct supervision with close checking.
- Level 2: Limited discretion under direct supervision; needs knowledge of animal care.
- Level 3: An AQF Level 3 (Certificate III) or equivalent qualification, or the knowledge and experience to work at trade level, generally with limited supervision.
- Level 4: AQF Level 4 (Certificate IV) competencies: veterinary nursing care, radiography, pathology, preparing for surgery, monitoring anaesthesia and nursing hospitalised animals.
Summaries of Schedule A.2 of the award.
Weekend and public holiday rates
Full-time and part-time
| Level | Saturday 1pm-9pm, first 3 hours | Saturday 1pm-9pm, after | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory level | $38.61 | $51.48 | $51.48 | $64.35 |
| Level 1 | $39.66 | $52.88 | $52.88 | $66.10 |
| Level 2 | $42.36 | $56.48 | $56.48 | $70.60 |
| Level 3 | $44.18 | $58.90 | $58.90 | $73.63 |
| Level 4 | $48.20 | $64.26 | $64.26 | $80.33 |
Casual
| Level | Saturday 1pm-9pm, first 3 hours | Saturday 1pm-9pm, after | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory level | $45.05 | $57.92 | $57.92 | $70.79 |
| Level 1 | $46.27 | $59.49 | $59.49 | $72.71 |
| Level 2 | $49.42 | $63.54 | $63.54 | $77.66 |
| Level 3 | $51.54 | $66.26 | $66.26 | $80.99 |
| Level 4 | $56.23 | $72.29 | $72.29 | $88.36 |
Shiftwork rates
| Level | Shift starting at or before 6.30am | Shift finishing after 8pm | Mostly midnight to 8am |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory level | $29.60 | $29.60 | $33.46 |
| Level 1 | $30.41 | $30.41 | $34.37 |
| Level 2 | $32.48 | $32.48 | $36.71 |
| Level 3 | $33.87 | $33.87 | $38.29 |
| Level 4 | $36.95 | $36.95 | $41.77 |
Veterinary surgeon minimum rates
| Level | Hourly | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1A | $34.20 | $68.40 |
| Level 1B | $36.08 | $72.16 |
| Level 2 | $38.98 | $77.96 |
| Level 3 | $42.83 | $85.66 |
| Level 4 | $48.38 | $96.76 |
Veterinary surgeons are paid by the hour under the award, with different overtime and on-call rules; see the award for details.
How it works
- The Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award covers veterinary practices and hospitals, animal care businesses and their staff.
- Ordinary hours can be worked between 6am and 9pm, Monday to Sunday.
- Casuals get a 25% loading instead of paid leave. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
How much does a vet nurse earn in Australia?
A qualified veterinary nurse with Certificate IV competencies (Level 4) gets at least $32.13 an hour, $1,221.10 a week or about $63,497 a year from 1 July 2026 under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award. With a Certificate III (Level 3) it's $29.45 an hour. Many clinics pay above the award.
What is the casual vet nurse rate?
$40.16 an hour at Level 4 and $36.81 at Level 3, including the 25% casual loading.
Do vet nurses get paid more on weekends?
Yes. Saturday work between 1pm and 9pm is $48.20 an hour for the first 3 hours and $64.26 after that at Level 4; Sundays are $64.26 and public holidays $80.33.
How much does a vet earn?
The award minimum for a veterinary surgeon ranges from $34.20 an hour at Level 1A to $48.38 at Level 4. Most vets are paid well above these minimums.
How much does a vet nurse take home?
On $63,497 a year, about $2,027 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
When do the rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also nurse salary, dental assistant pay and the casual loading calculator.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text, Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award [MA000118], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.