Cardiovascular Perfusionist Salary: Award Rates and How They Compare to the National Line
See what the NSW Health award says about cardiovascular perfusionist salary, from trainee to director, and how those weekly rates stack up against the national earnings index.
A Grade 2 perfusionist at the top step earns about $3,058 per week, giving an index around 147—well above the national line of 100.
What a Cardiovascular Perfusionist Salary Looks Like in the Award
If you are reading a job ad for a cardiovascular perfusionist and trying to compare offers, the first thing to know is that pay is usually set by an industrial instrument—either a modern award, a state award, or an enterprise agreement. The most detailed public information comes from the Health Employees Technical (State) Award 2025, published by NSW Health. That award covers perfusionists working in the New South Wales public health system. It breaks the role into four grades, each with multiple pay steps.
The Four Grades of Perfusionist
The award defines perfusionists by qualification and responsibility:
- Grade 1 (Trainee Perfusionist): Holds a relevant tertiary degree and is training in perfusion.
- Grade 2 (Certified Perfusionist): Holds certification from the Australasian Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (or equivalent) and performs complex duties including research.
- Grade 3 (In-Charge Perfusionist): Manages the day-to-day operation of the department alongside a medical officer.
- Grade 4 (Director of Perfusion Services): The most senior perfusionist, responsible for direction and supervision of others.
Weekly Rates from 1 July 2026
The award includes a 4% increase from 1 July 2026. Here are the weekly minimum rates for each grade at the first year of that step:
| Grade | Step | Weekly Rate | Annualised (×52) | Index (vs $108,352) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 1st year | $2,105.85 | $109,504 | 101.1 |
| Grade 2 | 1st year | $2,330.11 | $121,166 | 111.8 |
| Grade 2 | 8th year | $3,058.39 | $159,036 | 146.8 |
| Grade 3 | 1st year | $3,271.28 | $170,107 | 157.0 |
| Grade 4 | 1st year | $3,439.25 | $178,841 | 165.1 |
These are minimums, not maximums. A hospital may pay above the award, especially for experienced Grade 3 or Grade 4 roles.
How the Salary Index Helps You Compare
The Salary Index takes a yearly gross figure and divides it by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352) then multiplies by 100. So an index of 100 is exactly average. The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2. The health care and social assistance industry as a whole is at index 97.8—slightly below average. But a cardiovascular perfusionist, even at entry level, is above that industry average. A Grade 2 perfusionist at the top step is nearly 50% above the national line.
What About Other States?
The NSW Health award is a state instrument. Perfusionists in Victoria, Queensland, or Western Australia may be covered by different state awards or by a modern award such as the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database includes minimum rates for health professional employees, but the specific perfusionist classifications are not listed in the public extract. If you are comparing a job in a private hospital or a different state, ask for the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
Reading a Job Ad: What to Look For
When you see a salary range in a job ad, ask:
- Is it based on an award or an enterprise agreement?
- Does it include superannuation? (The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026.)
- Is the rate weekly, annual, or hourly?
- Are there allowances for on-call, overtime, or shift penalties?
The award rates above are base salaries. A perfusionist working after hours or on weekends may earn penalty rates that push the index higher.
Take-Home Pay Estimate
Using the 2026–27 tax rates (tax-free threshold, 2% Medicare levy, no HELP debt), a Grade 2 perfusionist on $121,166 would take home roughly $88,000 after tax. At $159,036, take-home is about $111,000. These are rough estimates; your actual tax depends on your circumstances.
Where to Find More
The cardiovascular perfusionist salary is well above the national average, especially at senior grades. Use the index to see exactly where a given offer sits against the line.
Questions people ask
What is the typical cardiovascular perfusionist salary in Australia?
There is no single national figure because pay depends on the award or agreement, experience, and location. The NSW Health state award (the most detailed public source) shows weekly rates from about $2,106 for a trainee to $3,519 for a director of perfusion services, effective 1 July 2026. These are minimums; many perfusionists earn more under enterprise bargains.
How does a perfusionist salary compare to the national earnings index?
The [Salary Index](/method) sets the national line at 100, equal to $108,352 per year. A Grade 2 perfusionist at the top step earns about $159,036 annually, giving an index of 147. That is nearly 50% above the average full-time worker. Even a starting Grade 1 perfusionist sits just above the line at index 101.
Does the Fair Work Ombudsman have a pay calculator for perfusionists?
The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay calculator covers modern awards, but perfusionist roles often fall under state awards or enterprise agreements. The NSW Health award is a state instrument, so it may not appear in the federal calculator. Always check your specific award or agreement for accurate rates.