Veterinary Nurse Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for veterinary nurses in Victoria under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Veterinary Nurse — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$25.68
Base rate/hr
$32.10
Casual rate/hr
Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians with animal care, surgery preparation, anaesthesia monitoring, pathology, and client education in veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Veterinary Nurse
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | $975.84 | $50,743.68 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $32.10/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Veterinary Nurse
Saturday
$38.52/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$51.36/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$64.20/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.68/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 3 | Trainee veterinary nurse | $25.15 | $31.44 | $49,696.40 |
| Support Level 4 | Qualified veterinary nurse | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Support Level 5 | Senior veterinary nurse | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| Level 1 | Head veterinary nurse / practice manager | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
View full Health Professionals and Support 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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $49.46/hr |
| Physiotherapist | $31.35/hr | $39.19/hr | $62.70/hr |
| Psychologist | $33.42/hr | $41.78/hr | $66.84/hr |
| Dental Receptionist | $25.15/hr | $31.44/hr | $50.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a veterinary nurse get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a veterinary nurse in Victoria is $25.68/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $32.10/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a veterinary nurse?
The minimum wage for a veterinary nurse is $25.68 per hour ($975.84 per week for a 38-hour week, or $50,743.68 per year). This is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers veterinary nurses?
Veterinary Nurses 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 veterinary nurses get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, veterinary nurses receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($38.52/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($51.36/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($64.20/hr).
What is the casual rate for a veterinary nurse?
The casual rate for a veterinary nurse is $32.10/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.68/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 hold Certificate IV or higher qualifications. Junior rates do not apply. 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 verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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