Perfusionist salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Find out what a perfusionist salary looks like in Australia, how it compares to the national line, and where the occupation fits on the salary index.
Publicly available data does not provide a precise median perfusionist salary, but the role likely pays above the health care industry average (index 97.8) and near or above the national line (index 100).
Perfusionist salary in Australia: what the data says
A perfusionist operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery and manages cardiopulmonary bypass. It's a highly skilled allied health role, but finding a precise perfusionist salary from official Australian sources is not straightforward. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia group perfusionists under "Other Medical Technicians" (ANZSCO 311299), and the most recent survey (May 2025) reports median weekly earnings as N/A. That means the sample size is too small or the data is unreliable for publication.
So where does that leave us? We can use the Salary Index to understand the pay landscape. The national line (index 100) is $108,352 a year (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, May 2026). The health care and social assistance industry sits at index 97.8, meaning the average health worker earns slightly below the national line. But perfusionists are not average health workers—they require specialised training and work in high-stakes environments. It's reasonable to expect their pay to be above the industry average, possibly near or above index 100.
What the official sources tell us
The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains minimum rates for health professional employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The 2026 data includes changes from the Annual Wage Review (4.75% increase from 1 July 2026) and gender-based undervaluation adjustments from 1 October 2026. However, the database does not list a specific classification for "perfusionist" in the extracts we have. The award covers many roles, and the correct classification depends on duties and qualifications. To find the minimum rate, you would need to search the award using the classifications spreadsheet.
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 2,700 people work as Other Medical Technicians (which includes perfusionists). Of those, 44% work part-time, 56% full-time, and the median age is 42. The average full-time hours are 40 per week, slightly below the all-occupations average of 44 hours. Most work in Health Care and Social Assistance, with smaller numbers in Manufacturing.
How the salary index applies
If a perfusionist earns, say, $110,000 a year, their salary index would be 110,000 ÷ 108,352 × 100 = 101.5. That's just above the national line. If they earn $95,000, the index is 87.7. Without official median data, we can only estimate. But the index helps you compare any figure to the national benchmark.
For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, annualised $52,255, index 48.2. An entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. A perfusionist with experience would earn well above these floors. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and the maximum contribution base is $270,830.
State and industry comparisons
Where you work affects your pay. The states page shows that the ACT has the highest index (109.9, annualised $119,090), while Tasmania is lowest (88.6, $96,008). Perfusionists in major public hospitals in Sydney or Melbourne might earn more than those in regional areas. The industries page shows mining at index 154.7, retail at 75.9, and professional services at 114.7. Health care is at 97.8, but specialised roles within health can push higher.
Take-home pay considerations
Gross salary is only part of the picture. For a resident earning $110,000 in 2026–27, tax (excluding Medicare) is: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000, and 37% on the remainder. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. That means take-home pay is roughly $82,000–$85,000 depending on your exact tax situation. Salary sacrifice, HELP repayments, and the Medicare levy surcharge can change that.
How to find your own perfusionist salary
If you're a perfusionist or employer, the best way to determine a fair salary is to:
- Check the pay guides for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
- Look at advertised roles on job boards (noting that advertised salaries are often above award minimums).
- Use the Salary Index to compare any figure to the national line.
Remember, the index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job. It helps you see where a pay figure sits relative to the average Australian worker.
The bottom line
A precise perfusionist salary is not publicly available from the ABS or Fair Work Commission. Based on the occupation's skill level and industry context, it likely falls between index 90 and 110, with experienced perfusionists in major cities earning above the national line. For the most accurate information, consult the relevant modern award and current job advertisements.
Questions people ask
What is the typical salary range for a perfusionist in Australia?
Publicly available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Fair Work Commission does not provide a specific median salary for perfusionists. Based on the occupation's skill level and the health care industry average (index 97.8), a perfusionist might earn between $90,000 and $130,000 per year, but this is an estimate. For precise figures, check individual job advertisements or consult the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Which modern award covers perfusionists in Australia?
Perfusionists are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum rates for health professional employees, including classifications that may apply to perfusionists. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the latest minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. Always read the award in full to confirm the correct classification.
How does a perfusionist salary compare to other medical technicians on the salary index?
Other medical technicians (e.g., anaesthetic technicians, cardiac technicians, medical laboratory technicians) have a median weekly earnings figure that is not published (N/A). The national line is index 100 ($108,352 annualised). Perfusionists are a specialised subset, so their pay is likely above the health care industry average (index 97.8) and could be closer to the national line or higher, depending on experience and location.