Operating theatre technician salary: award rates and what to expect
Find out what operating theatre technicians earn under Australian awards, how it compares to the national minimum wage, and where it sits on the salary index.
Operating theatre technician pay is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with rates above the national minimum wage but below the all-industries average. The exact median is not published, but the health care industry index is 97.8.
What is an operating theatre technician?
Operating theatre technicians prepare and maintain operating theatres and their equipment, assist the surgical team during operations, and support patients in the recovery room. They are classified under ANZSCO 311214 as part of Medical Technicians (3112). According to Jobs and Skills Australia, around 1,400 people work in this role, with a median age of 47 and a female share of 24%. Most work full-time (70%), averaging 41 hours per week.
How is pay set for operating theatre technicians?
Operating theatre technicians are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027], which sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award, including classification levels for medical technicians. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database (updated October 2026) contains the detailed classification and pay rate data, reflecting a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review 2026, effective 1 July 2026.
Award rates are minimums. Many employers pay above the award, and some technicians are covered by enterprise agreements that offer higher wages. The exact classification level depends on qualifications and experience. The entry-level award floor for health professionals is $25.74 per hour, but a qualified operating theatre technician would typically be at a higher level, above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.
Operating theatre technician salary vs national minimum wage
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, which annualises to $52,255 and sits at index 48.2 on the Salary Index. That means it is just under half of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 per year). An operating theatre technician under the award would earn more than this. For example, a technician at a higher classification might earn $28–$32 per hour, plus penalties for weekends or evenings. Casual technicians receive a 25% loading, taking the hourly rate to around $33–$40.
To put it in perspective: if a full-time operating theatre technician earns $30 per hour for 41 hours a week (the average for this occupation), their weekly pay would be $1,230, annualising to $63,960. That gives a salary index of about 59 – still below the national line of 100, but well above the minimum wage index of 48.2. With overtime or penalty rates, earnings can climb higher.
The salary index and industry benchmarks
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line of 100, which represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year. The health care and social assistance industry has an index of 97.8, meaning typical earnings in that sector are slightly below the all-industries average. Operating theatre technicians fall within this industry, so their pay is likely around or just below the national line, depending on experience and location.
State differences matter. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 and the ACT 109.9, while Tasmania sits at 88.6. An operating theatre technician in Perth or Canberra might earn more than one in Hobart, even under the same award. You can explore state benchmarks on our states page.
Superannuation and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if an operating theatre technician earns $65,000, their employer must contribute $7,800 to super. This is on top of the salary.
For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare) 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. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A technician earning $65,000 would pay about $10,867 in tax and Medicare, leaving a take-home of around $54,133 (ignoring HELP or salary sacrifice).
Where to find current pay rates
For the most up-to-date minimum rates, check the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. You can also use the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database for detailed classification and allowance data. Remember that these are minimums – actual salaries may be higher, especially in private hospitals or through enterprise agreements.
Summary
Operating theatre technician pay is set by an award that guarantees above-minimum-wage rates, but the exact median is not publicly available. The health care industry index of 97.8 suggests earnings are close to the national average, though individual pay varies by classification, location, and employer. For a clearer picture, look at the award classification that matches your experience and compare it to the national line using the Salary Index. If you're considering this career, the role offers stable employment in a growing sector, with pay that reflects the skilled nature of the work.
Questions people ask
What award covers operating theatre technicians?
Operating theatre technicians (ANZSCO 311214) are classified under Medical Technicians (3112) and are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates for health professionals including medical technicians. Some technicians may be covered by enterprise agreements that provide higher pay.
How does an operating theatre technician salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week, annualised $52,255). Operating theatre technicians under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award are paid at a classification level above the entry-level award floor of $25.74 per hour. A qualified technician would typically earn more than the national minimum wage, but the exact rate depends on their level of experience and the specific classification.
Where does the operating theatre technician salary sit on the salary index?
The salary index compares gross annual earnings to the national line of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year). While the exact median for operating theatre technicians is not published, the health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, suggesting typical earnings in the sector are slightly below the all-industries average. Award rates for experienced technicians may push individual pay closer to or above the national line, especially in states like Western Australia (index 106.9) or the ACT (109.9).