Changes to the Health Services Award
Published 2 March 2026 | Updated 1 April 2026
Further changes for health professionals under the Health Services Award
The Fair Work Commission is still considering further changes to classifications for some health professional employees under the award.
To be notified of further changes, subscribe to email updates.
Learn more about changes to classifications and minimum pay rates for some employees covered by the Health Services Award.
On this page:
- Background to the changes
- Changes to classifications and progression
- Pay rate increases
- Keep up to date
- Related information
Background to the changes
The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) announced changes to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (Health Services Award) as part of its Gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review.
These changes take effect from 1 April 2026 and apply to:
- dental assistants, and
- pathology collectors.
The changes include updating these roles into new or existing classifications and increases to minimum pay rates.
Changes to classifications and progression
A new classification structure operates from 1 April 2026.
Dental assistants and pathology collectors have moved within the current support services classification structure.
Information about required qualifications and experience has been included in the award to help employees and employers understand how dental assistants and pathology collectors move up a classification.
A new schedule (Schedule J — Classification Translation Arrangements) has been added to the award and sets out the new levels under the support services classification structure for existing employees employed as:
You can view schedule J in the award.
New classifications for dental assistants
New classifications for dental assistants employed on or before 31 March 2026 will depend on their:
- previous classification level
- qualifications, and
- industry experience.
Check the table below for the new classification level that applies:
| Previous support services classification | New support services classification |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 3 |
Level 2 An employee who is unqualified with less than 12 months industry experience as a dental assistant. | Level 3 |
Level 2 An employee who is unqualified with 12 months to up to 4 years’ industry experience as a dental assistant. | Level 5 |
Level 2 An employee who:
| Level 6 |
| Level 4 | Level 6 |
| Level 5 | Level 7 |
New classifications for pathology collectors
New classifications for pathology collectors employed on or before 31 March 2026 will depend on their:
- previous classification level
- qualifications, and
- industry experience.
Check the table below for the new classification level that applies:
| Previous support services classification | New support services classification |
|---|---|
Level 4 An employee who is unqualified with less than 12 months industry experience as a pathology collector. | Level 5 |
Level 4 An employee who:
| Level 6 |
Level 4 An employee who:
| Level 7 |
Level 5 An employee who:
| Level 6 |
Level 5 An employee who:
| Level 7 |
| Level 6 | Level 7 |
Pay rate increases
As part of the changes, there are pay increases for dental assistants and pathology collectors covered by the award.
The first increase to minimum pay rates applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 April 2026.
Employees receiving a minimum pay rate on 31 March 2026 that is higher than the new pay rates will continue to receive their higher rate.
Some employees will receive another increase from 1 January 2027.
Prepare for the changes
Our Pay and Conditions Tool has been updated with the new rates.
If your classification has changed, use the new classification when calculating your new pay rates.
To download a copy of the pay guide, visit Pay guides.
Keep up to date
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