Exercise physiologist vs physiotherapist salary: what the pay data shows

Exercise physiologist vs physiotherapist salary: what the pay data shows

When comparing exercise physiologist vs physiotherapist salary, it helps to start with the official data. Both are allied health professionals who help people move better, but their training, scope, and typical earnings differ. This article uses the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures and Fair Work Ombudsman award rates to show where each profession sits against the national line.

What the numbers say

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) gives a median full-time weekly earnings for physiotherapists of $1,888. That is before tax and salary sacrifice. To put it on the Salary Index – where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week – a physiotherapist on that median earns an index of 90.6. That is slightly below the national average but well above the national minimum wage index of 48.2.

For exercise physiologists, the ABS does not publish a median weekly earnings figure. The data is marked as N/A, likely because the occupation is smaller and the survey sample is too uncertain. However, exercise physiologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 from the Fair Work Ombudsman. Under that award, a Health Professional employee at Level 1 (AQF Level 5) earns minimum weekly rates from $1,232.70 (first year) to $1,541.30 (seventh year and above). Those translate to index values of 59.2 and 74.0 respectively. Higher-level classifications (Level 2 to 4) can pay up to $2,499.10 per week (index 120.0), but those typically require advanced qualifications or supervisory roles.

State differences matter

Where you work affects how far your salary goes. The states page on Salary Index shows that average full-time ordinary-time earnings vary significantly. For example, the ACT index is 109.9 (annualised $119,090), Western Australia is 106.9 ($115,825), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). If a physiotherapist on the national median of $1,888/week works in the ACT, their relative position might feel stronger than in Tasmania, even if their nominal wage is the same. Exercise physiologists on award rates may see similar geographic variation, though actual pay offers depend on local demand and employer type.

Industry effects

Both professions mostly work in Health Care and Social Assistance, which has an industry index of 97.8 – slightly below the all-industries average of 100. Physiotherapists also appear in private practices, hospitals, and aged care. Exercise physiologists are also found in Arts and Recreation Services, according to the 2021 Census. The industries page shows that health care pays close to the national line, but sub-sectors like hospitals or community health may differ. For example, a physiotherapist in a public hospital might be on a state health award, while one in private practice may earn a mix of fee-for-service income.

Putting it together

When you search for exercise physiologist vs physiotherapist salary, the headline difference is that physiotherapists have a clear median of $1,888/week, while exercise physiologists lack a published median. The award floors for exercise physiologists are lower, but many experienced practitioners earn above award. Both roles are in demand, with physiotherapists numbering about 46,600 employed and exercise physiologists about 5,100 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). The median age of exercise physiologists is 29, compared to 33 for physiotherapists, suggesting a younger workforce that may move up pay scales over time.

How the index works

The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings). For a physiotherapist on $1,888/week, annualised that is about $98,176, giving an index of 90.6. For an exercise physiologist on the award 7th-year rate of $1,541.30/week, annualised is $80,148, index 74.0. These are before tax and super. After tax (using 2026–27 rates with tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), the physiotherapist would take home roughly $74,000 and the exercise physiologist about $62,000. Super guarantee of 12% is on top.

Caveats

• The physiotherapist median is for full-time non-managerial employees. Part-time and casual rates differ.
• Exercise physiologist award rates are minimums; actual pay can be higher, especially in private practice or with experience.
• State and industry indices are broad averages; your individual salary depends on employer, location, and negotiation.
• The ABS data is from May 2025; award rates are from October 2026. Always check current awards.

For more detailed pay comparisons across occupations, see the pay guides on Salary Index. If you are considering a career in either field, remember that salaries grow with experience and specialisation. Both professions offer meaningful work in health care, but the pay paths are different.

FAQs

Which profession pays more: exercise physiologist or physiotherapist? Based on available data, physiotherapists have a higher median salary. The median full-time weekly earnings for physiotherapists is $1,888 (index 90.6). For exercise physiologists, no median is published, but the award minimum for a Level 1 (AQF Level 5) employee with 7+ years experience is $1,541.30 per week (index 74.0). Many exercise physiologists may earn above award, but the typical pay is lower than physiotherapists.

How do state differences affect exercise physiologist and physiotherapist salaries? State index figures show that average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings vary across Australia. For example, the ACT index is 109.9 (annualised $119,090) and WA is 106.9 ($115,825), while TAS is 88.6 ($96,008). If a physiotherapist earning the national median of $1,888/week works in a high-index state, their relative purchasing power may be higher, but actual salaries also depend on local demand and award classifications. Exercise physiologists on award rates may see similar geographic variation.

What industry do exercise physiologists and physiotherapists typically work in, and how does that affect pay? Both professions predominantly work in Health Care and Social Assistance, which has an industry index of 97.8 – slightly below the national average of 100. Physiotherapists also work in private practice, hospitals, and aged care. Exercise physiologists may work in health care or arts and recreation services. The industry index is a broad guide; actual pay depends on the employer, funding model (e.g., Medicare, private health insurance), and whether the role is in a public hospital or private clinic.