What is the average salary for a vet in Australia?

The median full-time veterinarian earns $2,413 per week, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (August 2025) as reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. That works out to roughly $125,476 a year before tax. However, this is a median, not an average, and actual pay varies by experience, location, and whether you work under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award or above it. Award minimums for veterinary surgeons start at $34.20 per hour (Level 1A), or about $67,579 a year on a 38-hour week.

How do award rates for veterinary surgeons compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 a year) according to ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. Award rates under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award (effective 1 July 2026) for veterinary surgeons range from $34.20 per hour (Level 1A) to $48.38 per hour (Level 4). At 38 hours a week, that is $1,299.60 to $1,838.44 per week, or $67,579 to $95,599 a year. All award rates are below the national average, meaning many vets are paid above the award, especially those with experience or in specialised roles.

Do vet salaries vary by state?

Yes. State full-time averages from the ABS show that the Australian Capital Territory ($119,090 a year) and Western Australia ($115,825) are above the national average, while Tasmania ($96,008) and South Australia ($102,450) are below. A vet working in a higher-paying state may earn more than the national median for the occupation, but award rates are national and do not vary by state. Location, cost of living, and demand all influence what employers offer above the award.

Vet salary Australia: How award rates and location affect pay

How veterinary pay compares with the national line

The national full-time adult ordinary-time average sits at $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. For veterinarians, pay can sit above or below this line depending on the award classification, the state or territory, and whether the role is in the public or private sector.

The national full-time average

The ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings rose 3.7% annually to $2,083.70 in May 2026. The all-employees average (including part-time and casual) is lower at $1,579.20 per week. The full-time median is about $90,532 a year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). These figures provide context: the typical full-time worker earns less than the average because high earners pull the average up.

Award rates for veterinary surgeons and nurses

The Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award (MA000118) sets minimum pay for veterinary surgeons, nurses, and receptionists. From 1 July 2026, veterinary surgeons are classified into four levels:

Level 1A: $34.20 per hour
Level 1B: $36.08 per hour
Level 2: $38.98 per hour
Level 3: $42.83 per hour
Level 4: $48.38 per hour

On a 38-hour week, these rates translate to annual salaries from about $67,579 (Level 1A) to $95,599 (Level 4). All are below the national full-time average of $108,352. Veterinary nurses and receptionists have lower award minimums, starting at $25.74 per hour (introductory level) or $978.10 per week (about $50,861 a year).

Fair Work sets these rates after annual wage reviews. The 2026 increase was 4.75%, applied to all award classifications. Many veterinarians are paid above the award, especially those with several years of experience or in private practice where demand is high.

Median earnings for veterinarians

Jobs and Skills Australia, using ABS data from August 2025, reports a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,413 for veterinarians. That is about $125,476 a year, well above the national full-time average. The median hourly earnings are $64. This suggests that the typical veterinarian earns more than the average worker, but the spread is wide: early-career vets on award rates earn much less, while experienced specialists or practice owners earn more.

The median is a better guide for a typical vet than the average, because it is not skewed by a few very high earners. However, the median is not the same as the average, and the ABS does not publish an average figure specifically for veterinarians.

State differences

State full-time averages from the ABS show how location affects the national line:

Australian Capital Territory: $119,090 a year
Western Australia: $115,825
New South Wales: $109,658
Victoria: $106,137
Queensland: $106,064
Northern Territory: $103,173
South Australia: $102,450
Tasmania: $96,008

A vet working in the ACT or WA may earn more than the national median for the occupation, while a vet in Tasmania or SA may earn less. Award rates are the same everywhere, but employers in higher-paying states can offer more above the award. The public sector also pays higher average earnings: the public sector full-time average is $2,263.10 per week ($120,481 a year, compared to $2,034.10 in the private sector. Vets in government animal health roles may fall under public sector rates.

Why the figure can move off the award

The award sets a floor, not a ceiling. A vet on Level 1A earns about $67,579, far below the national line. A vet on the median earns $125,476, above the line. State averages shift the comparison: a Tasmanian vet might be close to the national line if they are in a high award level, but the state average is lower. The national line is an average of all industries and occupations. Vets are a small occupation (about 73% full-time, 63% female), so their pay can differ from the all-industry average.

For a personalised comparison, you can place a salary on the line to see how it stacks up against the national full-time average, the state average, and the median for your occupation. See also state and territory averages and job medians for more detail.

Tax and take-home pay

For 2026–27, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% 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. The Medicare levy adds 2%. A vet earning the median $125,476 would fall in the 30% bracket plus Medicare, so take-home pay is around $88,000 after tax and levy, depending on deductions. Award-level vets pay less tax but also earn less.

Summary

Vet salaries in Australia vary widely. The national full-time average is $108,352, but the median vet earns about $125,476. Award minimums start at $67,579. State averages range from $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT. The award, location, and experience all move the figure off the national line. Use the tools on this site to see where your pay sits.