How much do vet nurses get paid?

A nurse employed on a casual basis gets paid  25%  extra per hour on the rates stated above – that’s casual loading.

So yes 25% more cash in your hand, but it also means there are no leave entitlements in this wage structure. So, if you’re sick or need time off, you don’t get paid for it because the extra casual loading replaces those entitlements.

Under the National Employment Standards, you still have other entitlements even if you are casual – check out here.

Neither option (permanent vs casual) is better than the other – it’s about what works for your life right now.

Great question! The pay levels in the award are linked to a few key factors:

• Your qualification
• Your classification level
• Your employment type (casual, permanent, part-time)
• Your age (for junior employees)
• Your duties and responsibilities
• The hours you work (penalty rates and allowances)

This is where education really matters!

Pay levels in the award are linked directly to skill and qualifications.  The more you know, the more you can do, and the greater responsibility you can safely take on, so the higher your minimum pay. This is often the number one reason to complete the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – to get a higher pay rate.

To access the penalty rates associated with night shift, or weekend work, employers usually want qualified nurses that can safely be responsible for workflow, patient care and supporting the team. That elevates the importance of being qualified and increases your job satisfaction and income.

Studying Cert II or III now?

• Paid at a lower training level while you grow your skill and knowledge and learn to be responsible for your own work.

Graduated with a ACM30122 Cert III in Animal Care Services?

• Paid at level 3 as a minimum. You’ve got the skill and knowledge to be responsible for your own work with limited supervision

Graduated wth a Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing?

• This is the recognised qualification – Yeah! You’re a vet nurse now. You’re getting paid at a minimum level 4.
• You’re working with greater independence, supervising and supporting non-qualified nurses in the clinic and performing all the functions of clinical nursing and client support.

Holding your Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing means you:

• Protect your minimum wage
• Increase your employability
• Improve animal care and patient outcomes
• Demonstrates your drive for continued learning!

Holding the Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing shows your commitment to being part of growing the professionalism of the career path. Employers want motivated, innovative nurses that can improve the practice of vet care and be a productive part of the team.

Being qualified brings more value, and the award recognises that.

For sure! And many do!

The award sets the minimum pay rates, many practices pay above award, especially for qualified, experienced  nurses. Being qualified strengthens your position to negotiate pay increases and move into specialised nursing roles that align with your interests and passions.

And don’t forget the non-financial benefits that some employers offer – these have huge value as well:

• discounted veterinary care
• discounted food or products
• staff wellbeing services
• CPD allowance or paid time off
• flexible working arrangements
• increased parental leave allowances

These benefits can be personalised and customised to your own needs through open communication and shared understanding of YOUR value as an employee.

If you hold a qualification that is not recognised in the current award (maybe you’ve got a Veterinary technician degree, or an overseas qualification) –  you can still work as a vet nurse!

The award allows for ‘other equivalent qualification’ but that is broad and open to interpretation. Generally, most vet techs or overseas qualified nurses are paid at the Level 4 classification as a minimum – but clarify with your employer about their understanding and expectations.

How much does a qualified vet nurse earn per hour in Australia?

The minimum rate is $30.68 per hour for permanent employees. You can  still be employed as a vet nurse, but often at a lower pay rate if you do not hold the  Cert IV qualification

Do casual vet nurses get paid more?

Yes, casual nurses receive a 25% loading but do not receive paid leave and do not have guaranteed hours.

Does qualification affect vet nurse pay?

Yes. Higher qualifications lead to higher minimum pay.

Am I entitled to penalty rates?

Yes – all employees are entitled to penalty rates if their hours of work fall within the penalty rate conditions set out in the award.

Vet nursing is skilled, responsible work and qualifications matter.

The right education will:

• Protect your pay
• Validate your worth and inputs
• Strengthen your career
• Improve patient care
• Build a sustainable profession

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or industrial relations advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice specific to your circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken to ensure the content is accurate at the time of publishing, pay rates and employment conditions may change over time and may vary depending on awards, agreements, roles, and individual workplace arrangements. This information is not intended to be comprehensive, and we recommend seeking independent advice or referring to the relevant legislation, award, or Fair Work resources for current details.