NSW paramedics will receive historic pay rises of up to 29 per cent over the next four years, recognising the expansion of life saving clinical and diagnostic skills and helping stem their exodus to Queensland.
The agreement struck today follows two years of relentless campaigning by the Ambulance Division of the Health Services Union to give paramedics professional recognition. The pay rises will be phased in from January 1 until July 2026, and represent the largest improvement to paramedic wages in living memory.
The base salary of a typical year six paramedic will increase from $79,737 this year to $88,082 on January 1. Further increases mean that by July 2026, a year six paramedic will have a base salary of $103,361
Other highlights of the agreement include:
- The base pay of critical care paramedics will increase from $98,390 to $127,261
- The base pay of a specialist year three paramedic increases from $90,711 to $117,328
HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes, said: “Paramedics have fought tirelessly and bravely for this professional recognition and salary justice. This historic advance proves that justice is worth fighting for.
“Our paramedics are highly skilled professionals who exercise fine clinical judgement under incredible stress. Their work saves lives. Finally they will be paid for it.
“We can not forget that the exodus of paramedics to Queensland happened under the previous government’s 12 year long wage cap. Such a policy must never return.
“The HSU is a robust fighting union. We believe this campaign has been a textbook example of making a case, campaigning hard, exerting pressure and ultimately emerging victorious.
“Despite sometimes having a tense relationship with the current government, we recognise and appreciate the large task it has in rebuilding our health workforce. We acknowledge the efforts of Health Minister Ryan Park, Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and of course this week’s intervention from Premier Chris Minns.”
