If you employ health professionals or health support in your team, the minimum rates you’re legally required to pay went up on 1 July 2026. The Fair Work Commission’s 2026 Annual Wage Review lifted all modern award minimum wages by 4.75%, and the new Health Professionals and Support Services Award rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
This guide sets out the full classification tables, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances current from 1 July 2026, so you can check what you’re paying against what the award requires.
What is the Health Professionals Award (MA000027)?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027] is the modern award that sets the minimum pay rates and conditions for most private-sector health employers and their staff. It operates as both an industry and an occupational award, which means it can cover certain allied health roles even outside a traditional health setting.
The award works on top of the National Employment Standards (NES). The NES sets the baseline legal entitlements including leave, maximum hours, public holidays and the award then layers industry-specific minimum rates, penalty rates, overtime, and allowances over that baseline. Where the award is silent, the NES applies; where the award is more generous, the award applies.
Who does the Health Professionals Award cover?
MA000027 covers two broad groups working in private health care:
- Support services employees (Levels 1–9) — the staff who keep a practice or facility running, including: cleaners, catering staff, orderlies, clerical and administrative staff, dental assistants, pathology collectors, and technicians.
- Health professional employees (Levels 1–4) — allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitian, speech pathologists, audiologists, medical scientists, and similar qualified professionals.
Coverage is decided by the work actually performed, not the job title so classifying a role correctly means looking at the duties, skills, and level of responsibility, not the label on the contract.
Who this award does not cover:
- Registered and enrolled nurses are covered by the Nurses Award (MA000034).
- Aged-care personal-care workers are covered by the Aged Care Award (MA000018).
- Disability and community-services workers are usually covered by the SCHADS Award (MA000100).
If you employ a mix of roles, more than one award can apply in the same business. When coverage is unclear, confirm it using Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) before you set a rate.
When do the 2026/27 pay rates apply?
The 2026 Annual Wage Review decision was handed down on 2 June 2026 and delivered a 4.75% increase to modern award minimum wages. The new MA000027 rates take effect from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
That timing detail matters. If your pay period doesn’t start exactly on 1 July, the old rates apply until your next full pay period begins. For example, if your weekly pay cycle runs Monday to Sunday, the new rates apply from Monday 6 July 2026 the first full period on or after 1 July. Paying the new rates from the wrong date is a common error.
How are employees classified under MA000027?
Two things drive the rate: employment type and classification level.
Employment type is full-time, part-time, or casual.
- Full-time and part-time employees share the same hourly base rate; casuals receive the same base plus a 25% casual loading in place of paid leave.
- Casual loading, minimum engagement, and rostering rules differ, so employment type isn’t just an HR label — it changes the pay calculation.
Classification level reflects the duties, qualifications, and responsibility of the role.
- Support services roles sit across Levels 1–9 (several of the higher levels have internal pay points) and,
- Health professional roles sit across Levels 1–4 (each with multiple pay points that generally progress with experience). Getting the level and pay point right for each person is the foundation of a compliant pay run.
Health Professionals Award pay rat 2026
All rates below are the minimum rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Weekly rates are based on a 38-hour week.
Support services employees — full-time and part-time
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Shiftwork (Mon–Fri) | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
| Level 1 | $1,024.70 | $26.97 | $31.02 | $40.46 | $40.46 | $67.43 |
| Level 2 | $1,065.20 | $28.03 | $32.23 | $42.05 | $42.05 | $70.08 |
| Level 3 | $1,106.20 | $29.11 | $33.48 | $43.67 | $43.67 | $72.78 |
| Level 4 | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $33.87 | $44.18 | $44.18 | $73.63 |
| Level 5 | $1,157.20 | $30.45 | $35.02 | $45.68 | $45.68 | $76.13 |
| Level 6 | $1,219.50 | $32.09 | $36.90 | $48.14 | $48.14 | $80.23 |
| Level 7 | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $37.57 | $49.01 | $49.01 | $81.68 |
| Level 8 (pp1) | $1,283.50 | $33.78 | $38.85 | $50.67 | $50.67 | $84.45 |
| Level 8 (pp2) | $1,317.20 | $34.66 | $39.86 | $51.99 | $51.99 | $86.65 |
| Level 8 (pp3) | $1,409.70 | $37.10 | $42.67 | $55.65 | $55.65 | $92.75 |
| Level 9 (pp1) | $1,435.00 | $37.76 | $43.42 | $56.64 | $56.64 | $94.40 |
| Level 9 (pp2) | $1,485.90 | $39.10 | $44.97 | $58.65 | $58.65 | $97.75 |
| Level 9 (pp3) | $1,497.80 | $39.42 | $45.33 | $59.13 | $59.13 | $98.55 |
Overtime (full-time and part-time): first 2 hours at 150% of the ordinary rate, then 200% after that. Sunday and public holiday overtime, and any overtime worked when an employee gets less than a 10-hour break, are also paid at 200%. For a Level 1 employee that’s $40.46 for the first 2 hours and $53.94 thereafter.
Support services employees — casual (includes 25% loading)
| Classification | Hourly | Shiftwork (Mon–Fri) | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
| Level 1 | $33.71 | $37.76 | $47.20 | $47.20 | $74.17 |
| Level 2 | $35.04 | $39.24 | $49.05 | $49.05 | $77.08 |
| Level 3 | $36.39 | $40.75 | $50.94 | $50.94 | $80.05 |
| Level 4 | $36.81 | $41.23 | $51.54 | $51.54 | $80.99 |
| Level 5 | $38.06 | $42.63 | $53.29 | $53.29 | $83.74 |
| Level 6 | $40.11 | $44.93 | $56.16 | $56.16 | $88.25 |
| Level 7 | $40.84 | $45.74 | $57.17 | $57.17 | $89.84 |
| Level 8 (pp1) | $42.23 | $47.29 | $59.12 | $59.12 | $92.90 |
| Level 8 (pp2) | $43.33 | $48.52 | $60.66 | $60.66 | $95.32 |
| Level 8 (pp3) | $46.38 | $51.94 | $64.93 | $64.93 | $102.03 |
| Level 9 (pp1) | $47.20 | $52.86 | $66.08 | $66.08 | $103.84 |
| Level 9 (pp2) | $48.88 | $54.74 | $68.43 | $68.43 | $107.53 |
| Level 9 (pp3) | $49.28 | $55.19 | $68.99 | $68.99 | $108.41 |
Casual overtime starts at 150% of the base rate (first 2 hours, Monday to Friday) and rises for weekend, public holiday, and extended overtime — check the pay guide for the exact casual overtime column for your level.
Dental assistants and pathology collectors
These two support-services streams have their own classification tables. Full-time and part-time rates from 1 July 2026:
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
| Level 3 – dental assistant | $1,106.20 | $29.11 | $43.67 | $43.67 | $72.78 |
| Level 5 – dental assistant | $1,107.80 | $29.15 | $43.73 | $43.73 | $72.88 |
| Level 6 – dental assistant | $1,163.90 | $30.63 | $45.95 | $45.95 | $76.58 |
| Level 7 – dental assistant | $1,203.50 | $31.67 | $47.51 | $47.51 | $79.18 |
| Level 5 – pathology collector | $1,157.20 | $30.45 | $45.68 | $45.68 | $76.13 |
| Level 6 – pathology collector | $1,163.90 | $30.63 | $45.95 | $45.95 | $76.58 |
| Level 7 – pathology collector (unqualified) | $1,203.50 | $31.67 | $47.51 | $47.51 | $79.18 |
| Level 7 – pathology collector (qualified) | $1,241.40 | $32.67 | $49.01 | $49.01 | $81.68 |
Casual dental assistant and pathology collector rates add the 25% loading — for example, a casual Level 3 dental assistant is $36.39 per hour.
Health professional employees — full-time and part-time
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Shiftwork (Mon–Fri) | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
| Level 1 (pp1) | $1,174.00 | $30.89 | $35.52 | $46.34 | $46.34 | $77.23 |
| Level 1 (pp2) | $1,219.50 | $32.09 | $36.90 | $48.14 | $48.14 | $80.23 |
| Level 1 (pp3) | $1,273.40 | $33.51 | $38.54 | $50.27 | $50.27 | $83.78 |
| Level 1 (pp4) | $1,317.20 | $34.66 | $39.86 | $51.99 | $51.99 | $86.65 |
| Level 1 (pp5) | $1,435.00 | $37.76 | $43.42 | $56.64 | $56.64 | $94.40 |
| Level 1 (pp6) | $1,485.90 | $39.10 | $44.97 | $58.65 | $58.65 | $97.75 |
| Level 2 (pp1) | $1,493.90 | $39.31 | $45.21 | $58.97 | $58.97 | $98.28 |
| Level 2 (pp2) | $1,548.30 | $40.74 | $46.85 | $61.11 | $61.11 | $101.85 |
| Level 2 (pp3) | $1,607.40 | $42.30 | $48.65 | $63.45 | $63.45 | $105.75 |
| Level 2 (pp4) | $1,671.40 | $43.98 | $50.58 | $65.97 | $65.97 | $109.95 |
| Level 3 (pp1) | $1,743.90 | $45.89 | $52.77 | $68.84 | $68.84 | $114.73 |
| Level 3 (pp2) | $1,792.80 | $47.18 | $54.26 | $70.77 | $70.77 | $117.95 |
| Level 3 (pp3) | $1,831.30 | $48.19 | $55.42 | $72.29 | $72.29 | $120.48 |
| Level 3 (pp4) | $1,912.60 | $50.33 | $57.88 | $75.50 | $75.50 | $125.83 |
| Level 3 (pp5) | $1,983.20 | $52.19 | $60.02 | $78.29 | $78.29 | $130.48 |
| Level 4 (pp1) | $2,111.60 | $55.57 | $63.91 | $83.36 | $83.36 | $138.93 |
| Level 4 (pp2) | $2,253.30 | $59.30 | $68.20 | $88.95 | $88.95 | $148.25 |
| Level 4 (pp3) | $2,450.40 | $64.48 | $74.15 | $96.72 | $96.72 | $161.20 |
| Level 4 (pp4) | $2,705.10 | $71.19 | $81.87 | $106.79 | $106.79 | $177.98 |
Health professional overtime: 150% of the ordinary rate for the first 2 hours (Monday to Saturday), 200% after that, and 200% for Sunday, public holiday, and short-break overtime.
Health professional employees — casual (includes 25% loading)
| Classification | Hourly | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday |
| Level 1 (pp1) | $38.61 | $54.06 | $54.06 | $84.95 |
| Level 1 (pp2) | $40.11 | $56.16 | $56.16 | $88.25 |
| Level 1 (pp3) | $41.89 | $58.64 | $58.64 | $92.15 |
| Level 1 (pp4) | $43.33 | $60.66 | $60.66 | $95.32 |
| Level 1 (pp5) | $47.20 | $66.08 | $66.08 | $103.84 |
| Level 1 (pp6) | $48.88 | $68.43 | $68.43 | $107.53 |
| Level 2 (pp1) | $49.14 | $68.79 | $68.79 | $108.10 |
| Level 2 (pp4) | $54.98 | $76.97 | $76.97 | $120.95 |
| Level 3 (pp1) | $57.36 | $80.31 | $80.31 | $126.20 |
| Level 3 (pp5) | $65.24 | $91.33 | $91.33 | $143.52 |
| Level 4 (pp1) | $69.46 | $97.25 | $97.25 | $152.82 |
| Level 4 (pp4) | $88.99 | $124.58 | $124.58 | $195.77 |
Referenced from Health Professionals Award Pay Guide
How do penalty rates work under the award?
Penalty rates are built off the ordinary hourly rate, so they move automatically when the base rate changes. For full-time and part-time employees:
- Shiftwork (Monday to Friday) is paid at 115% of the ordinary rate and a 15% loading. Note that the award also defines afternoon, night, and permanent-night shift arrangements with their own rules; the pay guide reflects the standard shift loading, and the precise shift definitions sit in clause 22 of the award.
- Saturday and Sunday are both paid at 150% for permanent staff.
- Public holidays are paid at 250%.
For casuals, those penalties are calculated on the base and added to the 25% loading so casual weekends work out to 175% and casual public holidays to 275%, inclusive of loading.
How is overtime calculated?
Overtime applies when an employee works beyond their ordinary hours (generally 38 per week, or the rostered ordinary hours for part-timers).
The standard structure is 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% after that. Sunday overtime, public holiday overtime, and overtime worked when an employee has had less than a 10-hour break are all paid at 200%.
Overtime is one of the most common sources of underpayment, because it interacts with shift loadings, part-time rostering, and the minimum-break rule. If your system calculates overtime off a flat base rate without accounting for these interactions, it’s worth auditing.
What allowances apply under the Health Professionals Award?
On top of hourly rates and penalties, there are a range of allowances under the award. The key ones are:
| Allowance | Rate |
| Meal allowance | $17.30 first meal; $15.60 each additional meal |
| On-call allowance (Mon–Sat) | $26.34 per 24-hour period |
| On-call allowance (Sun & public holiday) | $52.56 per 24-hour period |
| Laundry allowance | $0.33 per shift, up to $1.53 per week |
| Uniform allowance | $1.26 per shift, up to $6.41 per week |
| Vehicle allowance | $1.01 per km |
| Tool allowance (chefs and cooks) | $13.41 per week |
| Occasional interpreting allowance | $1.34 per occasion, up to $15.49 per week |
| Nauseous work allowance | $0.61 per hour, minimum $3.29 per week |
| Heat allowance (40–46°C, pre-8 Aug 1991 employees) | $0.61 per hour |
| Heat allowance (over 46°C, pre-8 Aug 1991 employees) | $0.73 per hour |
Several entitlements are reimbursements rather than fixed rates including apprentice training fees and textbooks, block-release travel, special clothing or safety equipment, telephone installation and rental, and reasonable travel costs. These are paid via proof of receipts.
Junior and apprentice rates
Junior support services employees are paid a percentage of the relevant adult rate:
- 50% under 17
- 60% at 17,
- 70% at 18,
- 80% at 19, and
- 90% at 20.
So a 17-year-old Support Services Level 1 employee earns $16.18 per hour (60% of $26.97).
Apprentice rates apply to:
- Cooking,
- Dental technician,
- Gardening and landscaping apprenticeships
They vary by year of apprenticeship and whether the apprentice completed Year 12. Adult apprentice rates (for those who started an apprenticeship as an adult) are set separately and are higher. The full junior and apprentice tables can be found in the Fair Work official pay guide.
Why does getting Health Professionals Award (MA000027) right actually matter?
Award underpayment isn’t usually a single big mistake, it’s a small error repeated across every pay run. A base rate that’s 4.75% behind, a Sunday paid at the wrong multiplier, a casual loading missed, or overtime calculated off a flat rate can each quietly accumulate into a five- or six-figure back-payment liability, plus penalties.
From 1 July 2026, the stakes are higher for another reason: Payday Super now requires super to be paid at the same time as wages, so any error in the gross pay figure flows straight through to a super shortfall on the same day. Getting the award interpretation right at the source correct level, correct pay point, correct penalties is what keeps both your wages and your super compliant.
If you’re relying on spreadsheets or a system that doesn’t interpret the award automatically, now is a sensible time to check your exposure before the new rates compound across the financial year.
FAQs About the Health Professionals Award
Q1: What is the Health Professionals Award pay rate for 2026?
A1: From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the Support Services Level 1 rate is $26.97 per hour ($1,024.70 per week) and the Health Professional Level 1 (pay point 1) rate is $30.89 per hour ($1,174.00 per week). All rates rose 4.75% in the 2026 Annual Wage Review.
Q2: What is the casual rate under the Health Professionals Award?
A2: Casuals receive the base rate plus a 25% loading. A casual Support Services Level 1 employee earns $33.71 per hour, and a casual Health Professional Level 1 (pay point 1) earns $38.61 per hour.
Q3: What is the Sunday rate under the Health Professionals Award?
A3: For full-time and part-time employees, Sunday work is paid at 150% of the ordinary rate. Casual Sunday work is 175%, inclusive of the 25% casual loading.
Q4: What is the public holiday rate under MA000027?
A4: Public holiday work is paid at 250% for full-time and part-time employees, and 275% for casuals (inclusive of loading).
Q5: Does the Health Professionals Award cover nurses?
A5: No. Registered and enrolled nurses are covered by the Nurses Award (MA000034). MA000027 covers allied health professionals and health support staff. Aged-care personal-care workers fall under the Aged Care Award, and disability and community-services staff under the SCHADS Award.
Q6: When do the new Health Professionals Award rates start?
A6: They apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. If your pay cycle starts mid-week, the new rates apply from the start of your next full pay period.
Q7:How do I know which classification level applies?
A7: Classification is based on the actual duties, skills, and responsibility of the role not the job title. Support services roles sit across Levels 1–9 and health professionals across Levels 1–4, each with pay points. Fair Work’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help confirm the right level.
Read more
Health Professionals Award Pay Rates & Updates
Health Professional and Support Services Award Pay Guide [MA000027]
Health Professional and Support Services Award
Health Professionals Award & Overview
Cracking Health Services Award’s Employee Pay Rate Progression
Related Awards
SCHADS Award 2026/27: Pay Rates & Allowances
Cleaning Services Award Rates 2026/27: Pay, Penalties, Allowances & Overtime
