Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the National Pay Index
Find out what an anesthesiologist assistant earns in Australia, how it compares to the national salary index, and why official award data is scarce.
No official government salary figure exists, but private surveys estimate an average of around $158,000 per year, placing it well above the national line at an index of approximately 146.
What is an anesthesiologist assistant?
An anesthesiologist assistant is a specialised physician assistant who works under the direction of a licensed anaesthetist. They help develop and implement anaesthesia care plans, prepare and monitor equipment, and assist during procedures. In Australia, the role is less common than in the United States, and it is not separately classified in any modern award. This makes finding an official anesthesiologist assistant salary difficult.
Where the salary sits on the index
The Salary Index compares gross yearly earnings to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 per year, index 48.2.
For an anesthesiologist assistant, the only publicly available figure comes from private compensation data. ERI, a salary survey firm, reports an average annual salary of AUD 158,359. That works out to an index of about 146 — well above the national line and far above the health care and social assistance industry index of 97.8. It also sits above the professional, scientific and technical index of 114.7. This reflects the high skill level and responsibility of the role.
Why official data is missing
The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for modern awards, but anesthesiologist assistant is not a classification in any award. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, for example, covers levels 1 to 9 for support services employees, but those roles are administrative or technical support, not clinical anaesthesia assistance. The Medical Practitioners Award might seem relevant, but it covers doctors and registrars, not physician assistants.
Because the occupation is small and not formally recognised in the award system, the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not report separate earnings data for it. The ERI figure is based on employer surveys and anonymous employee reports, not on a government census. It should be treated as a market signal, not a legal minimum.
How the index works for this role
To calculate the index: divide the estimated annual gross salary by the national line ($108,352) and multiply by 100. For $158,359: 158,359 ÷ 108,352 × 100 ≈ 146. That means an anesthesiologist assistant earning that amount makes about 46% more than the typical full-time worker.
For context, the highest state index is the ACT at 109.9 (about $119,090), and the highest industry index is mining at 154.7. So an index of 146 is comparable to mining wages but in a clinical setting.
Awards, super, and tax considerations
Even without a specific award, employers must pay at least the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026). The estimated market rate is much higher, so award minimums are not a constraint. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an employee earning $158,359, the employer must contribute $19,003 in super.
Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold, excluding Medicare) is: 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; 45% above $190,000. On $158,359, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be roughly $38,000, plus the 2% Medicare levy ($3,167). Take-home pay would be around $117,000, or about $9,750 per month.
Comparing to other health roles
The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, meaning the average worker in that sector earns slightly below the national line. An anesthesiologist assistant at index 146 is far above that average. For comparison, a registered nurse under a public sector agreement might earn around $80,000 to $100,000 (index 74 to 92), while a specialist doctor can earn well over $200,000 (index 185+). The anesthesiologist assistant sits between these, reflecting a mid-level clinical specialist role.
Where to find more information
Because official data is lacking, the best sources are industry salary surveys and job advertisements. The industries page on Salary Index shows how different sectors compare. You can also check the states page to see how location affects pay. For award-related queries, the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help if you know your classification.
In summary, the anesthesiologist assistant salary in Australia is not defined by any government body, but market estimates place it around $158,000 per year, giving a salary index of approximately 146. That is a strong position relative to the national line, reflecting the specialised nature of the work.
Questions people ask
Is there an official anesthesiologist assistant salary in Australia?
No. The Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission, and Australian Bureau of Statistics do not publish a specific salary for anesthesiologist assistants. The role is not listed in any modern award classification. The only available estimate comes from private salary surveys, such as ERI, which reports an average of about AUD 158,359 per year.
How does the estimated anesthesiologist assistant salary compare to the national salary index?
Using the national line of $108,352 per year (index 100), the estimated $158,359 would give an index of approximately 146. That is well above the national average and also above the health care industry index of 97.8. It suggests the role is highly specialised and commands a premium.
Which modern award might cover an anesthesiologist assistant?
There is no specific award classification. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 covers support roles like dental assistants and pathology collectors, but not physician assistants. Some anesthesiologist assistants may be covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts. Always check with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman for the correct classification.