Lab Technician Pay Rate SA 2026-27
Lab Technicians in South Australia earn at least $30.45/hr (Support Level 5), $38.06/hr casual — about $1,157 a week full-time — under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026 (support services levels) and 1 October 2026 (health professional levels).
Lab Technician — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$30.45
Base rate/hr
$38.06
Casual rate/hr
Lab technicians perform diagnostic tests, prepare samples, and operate laboratory equipment in medical, pathology, and research laboratories.
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South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Lab Technician
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $30.45/hr | $1,157.10 | $60,169.20 |
| Part-time (adult) | $30.45/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $38.06/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 (support services levels) and 1 October 2026 (health professional levels) under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Lab Technician
Saturday
$45.68/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$45.68/hr
1.5x base
Public Holiday
$76.13/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Support Level 5 ($30.45/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Level 4 | Lab assistant / sample processor | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Support Level 5 | Lab technician | $30.45 | $38.06 | $60,169.20 |
| Level 1 (AQF 5, Year 1) | Medical laboratory technician — health professional stream, 1st year | $32.44 | $40.55 | $64,101.44 |
| Level 1 (AQF 7, Year 1) | Graduate medical scientist (AQF 7), 1st year | $34.44 | $43.05 | $68,053.44 |
| Level 2.1 | Senior scientist / laboratory supervisor | $51.19 | $63.99 | $101,151.44 |
Support services rates are from 1 July 2026. The health professional rows follow the restructure that applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026 (FWC determination PR814029): medical laboratory technicians are an AQF Level 5 profession and medical scientists AQF Level 7 under Schedule B, with Level 1 pay rising with years of experience. Anyone whose minimum rate on 30 September 2026 was higher keeps the higher rate (clause J.4.3).
View full Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Lab Technician?
Lab technicians working in pathology labs often work shift patterns including early mornings and weekends. Common underpayment issues include incorrect shift penalty calculations.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
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| Dental Assistant | $29.11/hr | $36.39/hr | $43.67/hr |
| Physiotherapist | $34.44/hr | $43.05/hr | $51.66/hr |
| Psychologist | $38.02/hr | $47.53/hr | $57.03/hr |
| Dental Receptionist | $28.03/hr | $35.04/hr | $42.05/hr |
More on the Health Professionals Award
Health Professionals Award (MA000027) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in health
- St Giles Allied Health Enterprise Agreement 2026
- North West Support Services Inc. Enterprise Agreement 2023
- Application for approval of the Karuna Hospice Services Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Housing for the Aged Action Group Inc. Agreement 2026
- The Mary Ogilvy Homes Society Nursing & General Staff Agreement 2026
- Nurses (Mercy Palliative Care Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028
Recently approved agreements from the Fair Work Commission register in this industry. Check the agreement itself for the award it sits on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a lab technician get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a lab technician in South Australia is $30.45/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $38.06/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Support Level 5 adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 July 2026 (support services levels) and 1 October 2026 (health professional levels).
What is the minimum wage for a lab technician?
The minimum wage for a lab technician is $30.45 per hour ($1,157.10 per week for a 38-hour week, or $60,169.20 per year). This is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers lab technicians?
Lab Technicians are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do lab technicians get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, lab technicians receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($45.68/hr) and 1.5x on Sundays ($45.68/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($76.13/hr).
What is the casual rate for a lab technician?
The casual rate for a lab technician is $38.06/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $30.45/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old lab technician get paid?
Lab technicians hold qualifications and are not subject to junior rates. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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