Paramedic salary Perth: award rates and how they compare to the national index

What does "paramedic salary Perth" mean?

When someone searches for a paramedic salary in Perth, they are usually trying to work out how much a paramedic can expect to earn in Western Australia's capital. The answer depends on the employer, the classification, and whether the role is covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. This guide uses the most recent public information from the Fair Work Ombudsman to explain the minimum pay rates under the Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award (MA000098), and then compares those rates to the national earnings index.

Award minimum rates for paramedics in Perth

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each modern award. The Ambulance and Patient Transport Industry Award covers ambulance officers, paramedics, patient transport officers, and student paramedics. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates for a full-time ambulance officer (paramedic) are:

• Year 1: $34.46 per hour ($1,309.50 per week)
• Year 2: $34.72 per hour ($1,319.50 per week)
• Year 3: $34.92 per hour ($1,326.90 per week)

These rates apply to employees in Perth and across Australia, unless a specific enterprise agreement overrides them. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the year 1 casual rate to $43.08 per hour. Student ambulance officers earn less, ranging from $31.03 to $34.10 per hour depending on their level and year.

It is important to note that these are minimum rates. The award also includes allowances for shift work, on-call, and recall, as well as penalty rates for Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For example, a full-time ambulance officer working a Saturday gets $51.69 per hour, and a public holiday pays $86.15 per hour.

How does a paramedic salary in Perth compare to the national index?

The Salary Index uses a benchmark of 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). To calculate an individual's index, divide their annual gross salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100.

A paramedic on the year 1 award rate of $34.46 per hour, working 38 hours per week for 52 weeks, earns about $68,094 per year. That gives an index of roughly 62.8 – well below the national line. Even at year 3 ($34.92 per hour, annualised ~$69,024), the index is only 63.7.

However, Western Australia has a state index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), meaning the average full-time worker in WA earns significantly more than the national benchmark. A paramedic on award minimums is therefore well below the state average. This gap reflects the fact that many WA workers are in high-paying industries like mining (index 154.7) and professional services (index 114.7).

State and industry differences

Paramedic pay is set by a national award, so the minimum rates are the same in Perth as they are in Sydney or Hobart. But the cost of living and average earnings vary by state. For example, the states page shows that NSW has an index of 101.2, Victoria 98.0, and Tasmania 88.6. A paramedic earning the award minimum in Tasmania would be closer to the state average than one in WA, simply because Tasmanian average earnings are lower.

Industry also matters. The health care and social assistance sector has an index of 97.8, which is slightly below the national line. Paramedics fall within this sector, but their award rates are lower than the sector average because the sector includes many higher-paid health professionals like doctors and nurses.

What about enterprise agreements and actual pay?

In Perth, most paramedics are employed by St John Ambulance WA, which operates under an enterprise agreement. Enterprise agreements often provide higher pay rates than the award, as well as better conditions. Unfortunately, the latest enterprise agreement rates are not publicly summarised in the same way as award pay guides, so it is difficult to give a precise figure. If you are considering a paramedic role in Perth, it is worth asking the employer for a copy of the applicable agreement.

How the index works for paramedics

The how the index works page explains that the index is a gross ordinary-time benchmark. It does not include superannuation, overtime, or allowances. For a paramedic, shift penalties and overtime can add a significant amount to total earnings. For example, an ambulance officer working regular night shifts would receive an additional $59.71 per shift as a shift allowance. Over a year, these extras could push the effective hourly rate much higher.

Take-home pay estimate

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates, a paramedic earning $68,094 per year would pay:

• Tax on first $18,200: nil
• 15% on next $26,800: $4,020
• 30% on remaining $23,094: $6,928
• Plus 2% Medicare levy: $1,362
• Total tax and Medicare: $12,310
• Net take-home: about $55,784 per year, or $4,649 per month.

This is a rough estimate ignoring HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Summary

A paramedic salary in Perth under the award minimum is around $68,000 to $69,000 per year, which sits well below the national index of 100 and far below the WA state index of 106.9. However, actual earnings can be higher due to enterprise agreements, allowances, and overtime. If you are researching paramedic pay, always check the specific employer's agreement and consider the full package including superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) and penalty rates.

For more detail on award rates across different jobs, see our industries page. And for a broader look at how pay varies around the country, visit the states page.