Speech Therapist Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index

Speech therapist salary under the award

A speech therapist in Australia is a health professional who assesses and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, speech therapists are classified as Health Professional employees. The award sets minimum rates that increased from 1 October 2026 after the Fair Work Commission's gender-based undervaluation review. These rates are the legal floor – many speech therapists earn more.

Where the salary sits on the index

The Salary Index compares yearly gross pay to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For a speech therapist, the index varies widely by classification and experience.

Entry-level (Level 1, AQF5 1st year): $32.44 per hour. Full-time (38 hours, 52 weeks) gives about $64,101 a year. That's an index of 59.2 – well below the national average.

After 7 years (Level 1, AQF5 7th year+): $40.56 per hour, around $80,146 a year, index 74.0.

Senior therapist (Level 2.1): $51.19 per hour, about $101,151 a year, index 93.4 – close to the national line.

Specialist or manager (Level 4): $65.77 per hour, about $129,961 a year, index 120.0 – above the national average.

These figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman's award summary and the pay guide. Remember, these are minimums. A speech therapist in private practice or a public hospital may earn more.

How the award classification works

The award has four Health Professional levels. Level 1 is for graduates and early career, with pay points based on years of experience and AQF qualification. Level 2 is for experienced therapists, Level 3 for senior, and Level 4 for advanced specialists. The rates above reflect the 2026 update.

State and industry differences

Your location matters. The states page shows state indices: Western Australia (106.9) and ACT (109.9) are above the national line, while Tasmania (88.6) is below. A speech therapist in Perth might command a higher market rate than one in Hobart, even under the same award.

Industry also plays a role. Speech therapists often work in Health care and social assistance, which has an industry index of 97.8 – slightly below the national line. But those in Education and training (index 105.5) or Professional services (index 105.5) may see higher pay.

Super and tax considerations

Employers must pay 12% superannuation on top of gross salary from 1 July 2026. For a speech therapist earning $80,146, that's an extra $9,618 into super. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy (2%) depends on your bracket. For example, on $80,146, tax is about $17,000 plus Medicare $1,603, leaving roughly $61,500 net. See pay guides for more.

Why the index helps

The index lets you compare any job to the national line. A speech therapist at index 59 is earning about 59% of the average full-time worker. At index 120, they earn 20% above. This is useful when negotiating or choosing a career path.

Other factors

Casual speech therapists get a 25% loading (e.g., $40.56 becomes $50.70/hr). Part-time rates are proportional. Junior rates apply for under-21s, but most speech therapists are adults. The award also includes allowances for travel, qualifications, and shift work.

Bottom line

A speech therapist salary in Australia can range from index 59 to over 120, depending on experience and role. The award provides a safety net, but actual earnings often exceed it. Use the Salary Index to benchmark any offer against the national line.

FAQs

What is the typical starting salary for a speech therapist in Australia?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, a new graduate speech therapist (AQF5 1st year) earns a minimum of $32.44 per hour, or about $64,100 annually. That gives a Salary Index of about 59 – well below the national line of 100. Many employers pay above award, especially in private practice or public health.

How does a speech therapist salary compare to the national average?

The national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (index 100) is $108,352 a year. An entry-level speech therapist under award sits around index 59, while an experienced therapist at Level 2 can reach index 93. Senior or specialist roles at Level 4 can exceed the national line, with index around 120. Actual salaries depend on experience, location, and employer.

Are speech therapist salaries the same in every state?

No. While the award sets national minimum rates, market salaries differ by state. For example, Western Australia has a state index of 106.9, meaning typical earnings are above the national line, while Tasmania is 88.6. Speech therapists in high-index states may command higher pay than the award minimum. Check states for your state's index.