Anaesthetic Technician Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
Find out how the anaesthetic technician salary compares to the national average. Award rates from NSW IRC and ABS benchmarks show where this role lands on the salary index.
Based on NSW award rates, an anaesthetic technician salary sits around index 64–69, well below the national line of 100.
What is an anaesthetic technician?
Anaesthetic technicians prepare and maintain anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assist anaesthetists during procedures. They are classified under ANZSCO 311211 and fall within the broader Medical Technicians group (3112). According to the 2021 Census, there were about 740 employed anaesthetic technicians in Australia, with a median age of 46 and a female share of 57%. Most work in Health Care and Social Assistance.
The salary index explained
The Salary Index measures how a pay figure compares to the national line of 100. That line is set at full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 annualised (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An index of 100 means the pay matches the national average. Below 100 means below average; above 100 means above average. For example, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $1,004.90 per week, giving an index of 48.2. The health care and social assistance industry sits at index 97.8.
Where does the anaesthetic technician salary sit on the index?
The ABS does not publish median earnings for anaesthetic technicians because it is a 6-digit ANZSCO occupation. However, minimum award rates from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) provide a useful benchmark. The NSW IRC award for Anaesthetic and Operating Theatre Technicians (published in the IRC Gazette) sets weekly rates effective from July 2026:
- Anaesthetic and Operating Theatre Technician (without Diploma): $1,332.03 per week (annualised $69,266, index 63.9)
- Anaesthetic and Operating Theatre Technician (with Diploma): $1,399.91 per week (annualised $72,795, index 67.2)
- Senior Anaesthetic Technician: $1,441.87 per week (annualised $74,977, index 69.2)
- Senior Anaesthetic Technician (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital): $1,478.64 per week (annualised $76,889, index 71.0)
These are minimum rates under a specific state award. Actual earnings for anaesthetic technicians are likely higher, especially in private hospitals or with experience. The award rates place the role well below the national line of 100 and below the health care industry average of 97.8. Even the senior rate at RPA Hospital (index 71) is still 29 points below the national benchmark.
How the award compares to other benchmarks
For context, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). The entry-level award floor for many classifications is $25.74 per hour. The anaesthetic technician award rates are above these floors but still modest relative to the national average. By comparison, the pay guides for other health roles, such as enrolled nurses or medical laboratory technicians, often show index values in the 70–85 range.
Caveats and considerations
- Award coverage: The NSW IRC award may not apply to all anaesthetic technicians. Some may be covered by the federal Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 or by enterprise agreements. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database includes that award, but specific classification rates for anaesthetic technicians are not easily extracted.
- State differences: The rates above are for New South Wales. Other states may have different award rates. For example, the states page shows that NSW has an index of 101.2, while Victoria is 98 and Queensland is 97.9. Local award rates may vary accordingly.
- Above-award pay: Many hospitals and clinics pay above the minimum award, especially for experienced or senior technicians. The actual market rate could be closer to the health care industry average (index 97.8) or higher in regions with labour shortages.
- Super and tax: Superannuation (12% from July 2026) is paid on top of the base salary. For a technician earning $69,266, super adds about $8,312. Tax depends on the individual's circumstances; using 2026–27 rates, a single resident earning $69,266 would pay about $11,592 in tax plus $1,385 Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of about $56,289 before any deductions.
Summary
The anaesthetic technician salary, based on minimum award rates, sits at an index of 64 to 71, well below the national line of 100. This reflects the role's classification as a technician rather than a professional. However, actual pay may be higher, and the role offers stable employment in the growing health care sector. For more comparisons, see the industries page or explore how the index works.
Questions people ask
What is the average anaesthetic technician salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median salary for anaesthetic technicians because the occupation is too narrowly defined. However, minimum award rates from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission provide a reference point. As of July 2026, an entry-level anaesthetic technician without a diploma earns at least $1,332 per week (annualised $69,266), while a senior technician earns around $1,442 per week ($74,977). Actual average earnings are likely higher, especially in private hospitals or with experience.
How does the anaesthetic technician salary compare to the national average?
The national benchmark for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week (index 100). Using the NSW award rates, an anaesthetic technician without a diploma earns about 64% of that benchmark (index 64), and a senior technician earns about 69% (index 69). This places the role below the national line and below the health care and social assistance industry average (index 97.8). However, award rates are minimums; actual pay may be closer to the industry average depending on the employer.
What factors affect anaesthetic technician pay?
Pay for anaesthetic technicians is influenced by qualifications (diploma vs. no diploma), experience, and seniority. Location also matters: the NSW award rates shown are for that state, and other states may have different awards or enterprise agreements. The type of employer—public hospital, private hospital, or day surgery—can also affect pay, as can shift penalties and overtime. Superannuation (12% from July 2026) is additional to the base salary.