Exercise physiologist salary: award rates vs the national minimum wage

What is an exercise physiologist salary?

An exercise physiologist salary in Australia is not a single figure. It depends on qualifications, experience, and the employer. The legal minimum is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers most exercise physiologists working in private practice, medical centres, and community health. This award establishes pay rates that are well above the national minimum wage.

Awards versus the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week. That gives an annualised salary of $52,255 and a Salary Index of 48.2 (where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352). But an exercise physiologist cannot legally be paid that little. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award sets a higher floor.

For a Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a bachelor degree), the minimum hourly rate starts at $32.44 in the first year. That works out to $1,232.70 per week for a 38-hour week, or about $64,100 per year. On the Salary Index, that’s 59.2. After seven years at Level 1, the rate rises to $40.56 per hour ($1,541.30 per week, annualised $80,148, index 74.0).

If the exercise physiologist holds an AQF Level 6 qualification (e.g., graduate diploma or honours), the rates are higher. The same first-year rate applies ($32.44), but from the fourth year the rate jumps to $39.03 per hour, and by the seventh year it reaches $43.67 per hour ($1,659.30 per week, annualised $86,284, index 79.6).

Above Level 1, the award has classifications for more senior or specialised roles. A Health Professional Level 2.1 attracts $51.19 per hour ($1,945.40 per week, annualised $101,161, index 93.4). Level 4 tops out at $65.77 per hour ($2,499.10 per week, annualised $129,953, index 119.9).

These award rates are the minimum. Many exercise physiologists earn more, especially those working in private practice, sports organisations, or with additional certifications. The award also includes penalty rates, overtime, and allowances that can boost take-home pay.

Where does the data come from?

The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database, which includes the full classification structure for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the consolidated award text. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia publish employment profiles, but median weekly earnings for exercise physiologists are not available because the sample size is too small for a reliable estimate.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 5,100 employed exercise physiologists in Australia. The workforce is young (median age 29) and 52% female. About 62% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week. The main industries are Health Care and Social Assistance and Arts and Recreation Services.

How the Salary Index works

The Salary Index compares a gross annual salary to the national benchmark of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. For example, if an exercise physiologist earns $80,000 per year, the index is 80,000 ÷ 108,352 × 100 = 73.8. That means they earn about 74% of the national average. The index is a useful way to see where a pay figure sits against the national line.

For more on how the index is calculated, see how the index works. You can also explore pay guides for other occupations or compare by industries and states.

Superannuation and tax

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%. This is paid on top of the salary. For an exercise physiologist earning $80,000, the employer must contribute an extra $9,600 to super. The maximum contribution base is $270,830.

Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) is:

• Nil on the first $18,200
• 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
• 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
• 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
• 45% on income above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. These are estimates and ignore HELP repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary sacrifice.

What this means for job seekers

If you are looking at an exercise physiologist salary, the award is your starting point. The award minimum is a good baseline for negotiations. Entry-level roles in private practice or community health typically pay at least the Level 1 rate. Hospitals and larger employers may pay above award. The Salary Index can help you compare offers across different locations and industries.

The bottom line

The exercise physiologist salary is governed by a modern award that provides a higher minimum than the national minimum wage. Entry-level pay starts around $64,000 per year (index 59) and can rise to over $100,000 for experienced or senior roles. Because official median earnings are not published, the award rates are the most reliable public benchmark. Actual salaries vary, but the award ensures a fair floor.