How to calculate your phlebotomist salary after tax in Australia
A phlebotomist's pay is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with rates that vary by classification and experience; the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 support services employee is $26.97, but pathology collectors have separate staged increases from 1 April 2026.
How a phlebotomist salary is set under the Health Professionals Award
Your phlebotomist salary is governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027). The Fair Work Commission updates rates each year after the Annual Wage Review. For 2026–27, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week. However, most phlebotomists are classified as pathology collectors or support services employees, which have higher minimum rates.
From 1 April 2026, pathology collectors received pay increases as part of the Gender-based undervaluation review. Another increase applies from 1 January 2027. The award also sets classification levels from Level 1 to Level 9, each with pay points based on experience. For example, a Level 1 support services employee (other than dental assistants and pathology collectors) earns $26.97 per hour, while a Level 8 pay point 3 earns $37.10 per hour. Your exact phlebotomist salary depends on your classification and years of experience.
Working out your take-home pay
Once you know your annual phlebotomist salary, you can estimate what reaches your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the Australian Taxation Office applies these tax rates:
- Up to $18,200: nil
- $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
- $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
- $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
- Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000
You may also qualify for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) of up to $700, which reduces tax gradually.
The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your income is below $28,011 you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a shade rate of 10c per $1 over the lower threshold; above $35,013 you pay the full 2%. Most full-time phlebotomist salaries exceed $35,013, so you will pay the full levy.
Example: phlebotomist earning $55,000 per year
Assume your phlebotomist salary is $55,000 (plus super). Super is 12% from 1 July 2026, but it is not deducted from your take-home if your employer pays it on top. Your taxable income is $55,000.
- Tax on $55,000: $4,020 + 30c × ($55,000 - $45,000) = $4,020 + $3,000 = $7,020
- LITO: at $55,000, LITO is $325 minus 1.5c per $1 over $45,000 = $325 - $150 = $175. So tax after LITO = $7,020 - $175 = $6,845
- Medicare levy: 2% × $55,000 = $1,100
- Total deductions: $6,845 + $1,100 = $7,945
- Annual take-home: $55,000 - $7,945 = $47,055
- Fortnightly take-home: $47,055 ÷ 26 = $1,809.81
This is an estimate only. It excludes HELP/HECS, Medicare levy surcharge, salary sacrifice, and payroll rounding.
Using the award pay guide
Fair Work publishes a pay guide for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. The guide shows weekly and hourly rates for each classification, plus penalty rates for shiftwork, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. If you work overtime or weekends, your phlebotomist salary will be higher. Use the Take-home pay tool to calculate your net pay with penalties.
Superannuation
Your employer must pay super on top of your phlebotomist salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your take-home pay; it goes into your super fund separately.
Salary packaging
Some phlebotomists working in public hospitals or not-for-profit organisations can salary package up to $15,900 per year tax-free for living expenses, plus $2,650 for meal and entertainment. This reduces your taxable income and increases your take-home pay. Learn more about Salary packaging.
Summary
Your phlebotomist salary is determined by the Health Professionals Award, with minimum rates set by Fair Work. After applying tax brackets, LITO, and the Medicare levy, your take-home pay is the amount that clears into your bank account. For a typical full-time phlebotomist earning $55,000, the fortnightly net pay is around $1,810 per fortnight. Use the Tax and Medicare guide for more scenarios.
Questions
What is the minimum hourly rate for a phlebotomist salary under the Health Services Award?
For support services employees (other than dental assistants and pathology collectors) the minimum hourly rate is $26.97 per hour for Level 1. Pathology collectors have separate rates that started from 1 April 2026 with further increases from 1 January 2027.
How does the Medicare levy affect a phlebotomist salary?
The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income. For 2026–27, the latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. Full-time phlebotomists pay the full 2% if above $35,013. The levy is deducted from your take-home pay after tax.
What is the take-home pay for a phlebotomist earning $60,000 per year?
Using 2026–27 rates, a resident earning $60,000 pays $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000, plus 2% Medicare levy of $1,200. After tax and Medicare levy, the annual take-home is approximately $48,000. This excludes super, HELP, and salary packaging.