Veterinary Nurse Pay Rate TAS 2026-27
Veterinary Nurses in Tasmania earn at least $29.45/hr (Level 3), $36.81/hr casual — about $1,119 a week full-time — under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Veterinary Nurse — Minimum Pay Rate (TAS)
Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118)
$29.45
Base rate/hr
$36.81
Casual rate/hr
Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians with animal care, surgery preparation, anaesthesia monitoring, pathology, and client education in veterinary clinics and hospitals.
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Tasmania Note
Tasmania has specific public holidays that may differ from other states, affecting your penalty rate entitlements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Veterinary Nurse
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | $1,119.10 | $58,193.20 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.81/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Veterinary Nurse
Saturday
$44.18/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.90/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.63/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 3 ($29.45/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award (employees other than shiftworkers): Saturday rates apply to ordinary hours after 1pm — 150% for the first 3 hours and 200% after that (casuals 175% / 225%); Sunday 200% (casuals 225%); public holidays 250% (casuals 275%). The evening and early-morning figures on this site are the shiftworker rates: morning and afternoon shifts 115%, night shift 130%.
Classification Levels — Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | No industry experience — up to 3 months | $25.74 | $32.18 | $50,862.24 |
| Level 1 | Works under direct supervision with regular close checking | $26.44 | $33.05 | $52,245.44 |
| Level 2 | Limited discretion; animal-care knowledge needed | $28.24 | $35.30 | $55,802.24 |
| Level 3 | AQF Certificate III or trade-level knowledge and experience | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 4 | AQF Certificate IV — qualified veterinary nurse | $32.13 | $40.16 | $63,488.88 |
| Level 5 | Practice manager | $33.77 | $42.21 | $66,729.52 |
Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award MA000118 cl 15.2 and Schedule A.2, rates from 1 July 2026. A veterinary nurse with a Certificate IV (AQF 4) is Level 4 ($32.13/hr); the $29.45/hr headline is Level 3 (AQF 3 or trade-level). Veterinary nurses in private practices are not covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
View full Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Veterinary Nurse?
Veterinary nurses are commonly underpaid across the industry. Issues include being paid below award minimums, unpaid overtime during emergencies, and not receiving proper penalty rates for weekend and after-hours work.
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 →More on the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award
Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award (MA000118) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
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Enterprise agreements in veterinary
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 veterinary nurse get paid per hour in Tasmania?
The minimum hourly rate for a veterinary nurse in Tasmania is $29.45/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.81/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 3 adult rate under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a veterinary nurse?
The minimum wage for a veterinary nurse is $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,193.20 per year). This is set by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers veterinary nurses?
Veterinary Nurses are covered by the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (MA000118). 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 veterinary nurses get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020, veterinary nurses receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($44.18/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.90/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($73.63/hr).
What is the casual rate for a veterinary nurse?
The casual rate for a veterinary nurse is $36.81/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.45/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old veterinary nurse get paid?
Veterinary nurses are classified by level and qualification under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award, not by age. The Animal Care and Veterinary 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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