Phlebotomist salary: award rates versus the national minimum wage

Phlebotomist salary and the award system

A phlebotomist salary in Australia is not a single number. It depends on the award classification, experience, and employer. Most phlebotomists work as pathology collectors and are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (often called the Health Services Award). This award sets minimum pay rates that are higher than the national minimum wage, but the exact figure for a phlebotomist depends on their level.

Where the award sits against the national line

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week. Annualised, that is $52,255, which gives a Salary Index of 48.2 (where 100 is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352). The Health Services Award’s lowest support services rate (Level 1) is $26.97 per hour – already above the national floor. Even a junior phlebotomist under the award would earn more than the junior national minimum percentages (e.g., a 20-year-old gets $25.83 per hour under the national minimum, but the award may set a higher junior rate).

For context, the health care and social assistance industry has a Salary Index of 97.8, meaning average earnings in the sector are slightly below the national line. A phlebotomist on award rates will likely fall below that average, but the award provides a clear minimum.

Award classifications for phlebotomists

The Health Services Award divides employees into support services and health professionals. Pathology collectors (phlebotomists) are support services employees but have their own classification structure at Levels 5, 6 and 7. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database includes these rates, but the search results do not show the specific pathology collector figures. However, the award’s general support services rates give a sense of the floor:

• Level 1: $26.97/hr
• Level 2: $28.03/hr
• Level 3: $29.11/hr
• Level 4: $29.45/hr
• Level 5: $30.45/hr
• Level 6: $32.09/hr
• Level 7: $32.67/hr
• Level 8 (pay point 1): $33.78/hr
• Level 9 (pay point 3): $39.42/hr

Pathology collectors at Level 5, 6 or 7 will have rates that are at least as high as these, and possibly higher because of the gender undervaluation adjustments. The Fair Work Ombudsman advises using its Pay and Conditions Tool for the exact classification.

Recent changes to phlebotomist pay

The Fair Work Commission’s gender-based undervaluation review has led to pay increases for pathology collectors. From 1 April 2026, minimum rates rose, with another increase from 1 January 2027. Health professionals (including some phlebotomists with higher qualifications) received increases from 1 October 2026, with further staged rises through to 2030. These changes mean a phlebotomist salary under the award is likely to be higher than the standard support services rates shown above.

How super and tax affect take-home pay

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of the award rate (from 1 July 2026). For a phlebotomist earning $30 per hour, that adds $3.60 per hour to the total employment cost. The employee’s take-home pay depends on tax. Using 2026–27 resident rates (excluding Medicare), a full-time phlebotomist earning $60,000 would pay about $9,967 in tax plus a 2% Medicare levy, leaving around $48,000 net. The award rate itself is the gross minimum; many phlebotomists earn above award through experience or enterprise agreements.

Comparing phlebotomist salary to other health roles

The health care industry index of 97.8 is close to the national average. A phlebotomist on award rates will likely earn less than a registered nurse or allied health professional, but the award provides a structured path for pay progression. For example, a health professional under the same award (AQF Level 5, 1st year) earns $32.44/hr, rising to $40.56/hr after seven years. A phlebotomist with a Certificate III or equivalent may be classified at Level 6 ($30.63/hr for dental assistants, but pathology collectors have their own rates).

Where to find current phlebotomist salary information

Because the award rates change regularly, the best source is the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database also provides downloadable spreadsheets. For a broader view of how health care pay compares to other industries, see the industries page on Salary Index. You can also check pay guides for award summaries, or see how your state compares on the states page.

The bottom line on phlebotomist salary

A phlebotomist salary under the Health Services Award is above the national minimum wage but below the national average for all workers. The exact figure depends on the classification level and years of experience. The award’s minimum rates are a floor, not a ceiling – many phlebotomists earn more through experience, shift penalties, or enterprise agreements. To understand where a specific phlebotomist salary sits on the Salary Index, divide the annual gross by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, $60,000 gives an index of 55.4, well below the health care industry average of 97.8. The award system ensures a baseline, but actual earnings can vary widely.

For more detail on how the index works, visit how the index works. For related topics, see topics.