Average Vet Salary Australia: Where It Sits on the National Pay Index

Average vet salary Australia: a solid step above the national line

If you are looking into the average vet salary Australia, the headline figure is encouraging. According to the latest data from Jobs and Skills Australia, the median weekly earnings for full-time veterinarians is $2,413. That works out to roughly $125,500 a year before tax. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352), vets sit at about 116. That is comfortably above the line and also above the professional, scientific and technical services industry index of 114.7.

But what does that mean for a vet starting out, or for someone comparing offers across states? The median hides a range. The award minimums, set by the Fair Work Ombudsman in the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award, start much lower. A veterinary surgeon at Level 1A gets $31.55 per hour full-time, or about $60,000 a year. At Level 4, the top classification under the award, the rate is $44.62 per hour, around $85,000 a year. Most vets with a few years of experience will be above these floors, but the award gives a useful baseline.

How the salary index works for vets

The Salary Index is a simple way to see where a pay figure sits against the national line. You take the yearly gross salary, divide it by the national benchmark ($108,352 in May 2026), and multiply by 100. So a vet earning $125,500 has an index of 116. A vet on the award Level 1A rate ($60,000) would have an index of about 55. That is below the national minimum wage index of 48.2, but still above entry-level award floors in many industries. The index helps you compare roles across [industries](/industries] and states without getting lost in dollar amounts.

What the data tells us

The $2,413 median comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, as reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. It covers full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. That means it excludes part-time vets (about 27% of the workforce work part-time) and practice owners or managers. The median hourly earnings for vets is $64, which is well above the all-occupations median of $47. Vets also work an average of 45 hours per week, slightly above the national average of 44 hours.

The profession is relatively young, with a median age of 37, and 63% female. Most vets work in professional, scientific and technical services, with a smaller share in public administration and safety.

Award rates and what they mean for take-home pay

If you are an employee vet, your pay is likely covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award unless you have an enterprise agreement or individual contract that pays more. The award sets minimum rates for each classification level. For example, a Level 2 veterinary surgeon must be paid at least $35.96 per hour. Casual vets get a 25% loading, so Level 1A casual rate is $39.44 per hour.

These rates are minimums. Many clinics pay above award to attract and retain vets, especially in areas with shortages. The median earnings suggest that the typical vet earns well above the award. But if you are negotiating your first job, the award gives you a floor to work from.

Superannuation is also important. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, meaning your employer must contribute an extra 12% of your ordinary time earnings into your super fund. On a $125,500 salary, that is an extra $15,060 a year. The maximum super contribution base is $270,830, so most vets will get the full 12% on all earnings.

How state indices affect vet salaries

Your location matters. The Salary Index shows that the ACT has the highest state index at 109.9 (annualised $119,090), while Tasmania is lowest at 88.6 ($96,008). Vets in the ACT or Western Australia (index 106.9) may earn more than those in Tasmania or South Australia (index 94.6). However, the national median for vets is above every state index except the ACT, suggesting that vets nationwide tend to earn above the local average. If you are considering a move, check the states page for the latest benchmarks.

Tax on a vet's salary

For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are progressive. On a $125,500 salary, you would pay about $29,267 in tax plus a 2% Medicare levy ($2,510), leaving a take-home of around $93,723. This assumes you claim the tax-free threshold and have no HELP debt or other adjustments. The tax brackets are: nil on the first $18,200, 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, then 37% up to $190,000. So most vets will be in the 30% marginal bracket.

Final thoughts on the average vet salary Australia

The average vet salary Australia sits well above the national line, reflecting the skill and demand for the profession. The median index of 116 is a strong indicator. But remember that starting salaries are lower, and award rates provide a safety net. Whether you are a student considering the career or a practising vet comparing offers, the Salary Index gives you a clear benchmark. For more on how the index works, see how the index works. And if you want to compare vet pay to other roles, browse our topics or pay guides.