Anaesthetic technician salary overview
There is no single official figure for the typical anaesthetic technician salary in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for this occupation because it is a 6-digit ANZSCO code (311211) and the sample size is too small for a reliable estimate. That means any precise number you see online is likely an estimate from private sources, not from the ABS.
What we do have are award minimums, industry averages, and the national benchmarks. This article reads the pay as a year, a week, and an hour, using the most current official data.
Award minimums under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award
Anaesthetic technicians are classified under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The award sets minimum pay rates for support services employees. While the award does not list anaesthetic technician as a separate classification, the role typically falls at Level 4 or higher, depending on duties and qualifications.
As of the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026, the minimum weekly rate for a Level 4 support services employee is $1,119.10, which equates to $29.45 per hour. For a full-time employee working 38 hours a week, that is about $58,193 a year before tax. Higher levels pay more: Level 5 is $1,157.20 per week ($30.45 per hour), Level 6 is $1,219.50 ($32.09), Level 7 is $1,241.40 ($32.67), and Level 8 ranges from $1,283.50 to $1,409.70 per week ($33.78 to $37.10 per hour).
These are minimum rates. Many anaesthetic technicians earn above the award, especially in private hospitals or with experience. Shiftwork, overtime, and weekend penalties can also increase take-home pay.
Industry and national averages for context
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings in the health care and social assistance industry were $2,037.20 per week, or about $105,934 a year. This is the closest industry benchmark for anaesthetic technicians. It is slightly below the national full-time average of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 a year).
For comparison, the national full-time median (from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, August 2025) is about $90,532 a year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 a year on 38 hours.
Reading the same pay as a year, a week, and an hour
If you are an anaesthetic technician earning at the award Level 4 minimum, your pay looks like this:
- Yearly: $58,193 (before tax)
- Weekly: $1,119.10
- Hourly: $29.45
If you earn closer to the industry average (health care), the figures are:
- Yearly: $105,934
- Weekly: $2,037.20
- Hourly: $53.61 (based on 38 hours)
Actual earnings will vary by employer, location, experience, and hours worked. The ABS reports that 65% of anaesthetic technicians work full-time, with an average of 40 hours per week. The median age is 46, and 57% are female.
How anaesthetic technician pay compares across states
The national full-time average varies by state. For example, the average in New South Wales is about $109,658 a year, in Victoria $106,137, in Queensland $106,064, in South Australia $102,450, in Western Australia $115,825, in Tasmania $96,008, in the Northern Territory $103,173, and in the Australian Capital Territory $119,090. These are averages for all full-time workers, not specific to anaesthetic technicians.
Tax on an anaesthetic technician salary
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. A 2% Medicare levy also applies (with possible reductions for low-income earners).
For example, on a $58,193 award minimum salary, the tax (including Medicare) would be roughly $7,600, leaving about $50,600 after tax. On a $105,934 salary (industry average), tax would be about $26,700, leaving about $79,200.
Where to find more information
- Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares to the national average.
- Job medians lists median earnings for many occupations, though anaesthetic technician is not included due to data limitations.
- States and territories shows full-time averages by location.
- How the figures are set explains the sources and methodology.
Summary
Because the ABS does not publish a median for anaesthetic technicians, the best available guides are the award minimum rates and the health care industry average. Most anaesthetic technicians earn between the award minimum and the industry average, with experienced workers in private hospitals likely earning more. Use the on-site tools to compare your own salary against the national line.