Paramedics salary in Australia
Paramedics in Australia are paid under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award or through state‑based enterprise agreements. The most recent national data from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) shows a median full‑time weekly earnings of $2,852 for ambulance officers and paramedics. That is significantly above the national full‑time adult average of $2,083.70 a week (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).
Award rates and typical pay
Fair Work’s Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award (effective from 1 July 2026) sets minimum weekly rates for paramedics:
- Ambulance officer / paramedic year 1: $1,309.50 per week ($34.46 per hour)
- Ambulance officer / paramedic year 2: $1,319.50 per week
- Ambulance officer / paramedic year 3 and above: $1,326.90 per week
These award rates are the legal minimum. Many paramedics, especially those employed by state ambulance services, earn more under enterprise agreements. The median figure of $2,852 a week reflects the middle of the pay distribution, including experienced officers and those with allowances.
How paramedics salary compares to the national line
The national full‑time adult average ordinary‑time earnings is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year. The median paramedic earns about $148,304 a year (52 × $2,852), which is roughly 37% above that average. Even a first‑year paramedic on the award rate ($68,094 a year) is above the national minimum wage of $52,255 a year but below the full‑time average.
Place a salary on the line to see where any wage sits relative to the national average.
Resident take‑home sketch for a median‑earning paramedic
Using the 2026–27 tax rates for a resident:
- Gross annual salary: $148,304
- Tax on first $18,200: nil
- 15% on $18,201–$45,000: $4,020
- 30% on $45,001–$135,000: $27,000
- 37% on $135,001–$148,304: $4,922
- Total tax: $35,942
- Medicare levy (2%): $2,966
- Net take‑home: $109,396 (approximately)
This is a simplified calculation. Actual net pay may be lower if the paramedic has a HELP debt (additional 1–2% levy) or higher if they claim deductions. Award‑level paramedics would take home less.
State variations
Full‑time average weekly earnings vary by state. Paramedics in states with higher overall averages may also see higher pay, though specific paramedic data by state is not published by the ABS. The state full‑time averages are:
- New South Wales: $109,658
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- South Australia: $102,450
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Tasmania: $96,008
- Northern Territory: $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
States and territories provides more detail on regional earnings.
The role of the national minimum wage and award increases
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (38 hours). Award minimums, including those for paramedics, rose by 4.75% from that date. The paramedic award rates above reflect that increase.
Where the figures come from
The national full‑time average is from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, May 2026. The median paramedic earnings are from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025 (customised report for Jobs and Skills Australia). Award rates are from Fair Work’s pay guide published 8 July 2026. Tax rates are from the ATO for 2026–27.
About this site explains how the salary index is compiled.
Summary
Paramedics in Australia earn a median salary well above the national full‑time average, though starting award rates are lower. The resident take‑home on the median is around $109,000 after tax and Medicare, making it a solid middle‑income profession. Actual pay depends on experience, location, and whether allowances or overtime apply.