Therapist Salary in Australia: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage
Understand therapist salary in Australia under modern awards. Compare award minimum rates to the national minimum wage and see where they sit on the Salary Index.
Therapist salaries vary by role and award, but award minimum rates for health professionals are above the national minimum wage, typically around index 60–80, but precise index figures depend on classification and experience.
Therapist Salary and the Award System
When people ask about a therapist salary in Australia, the answer depends heavily on which modern award covers the role. The term "therapist" includes many allied health professionals—occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and more. Most are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), though some in disability services fall under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS).
Awards set the floor, not the ceiling
Modern awards are legal documents that set minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates for employees in a particular industry or occupation. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (annualised to $52,004.90 per week, index 48.2). But award rates for therapists are almost always higher. For example, the Health Professionals Award minimum for a support services employee at Level 1 is $26.97 per hour, and health professional employees start at higher rates still. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that show these minimums.
How the Salary Index helps
The Salary Index compares a gross annual salary to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). A therapist earning exactly the award minimum for a Level 1 health professional might have an index around 55–60, while a more experienced therapist at Level 8 or 9 could be in the 70–80 range. These are illustrative only—actual figures depend on classification, experience, and whether the therapist is paid above award.
State and industry context
Therapist salaries also vary by state and industry. The industries page shows that Health Care and Social Assistance has an index of 97.8, close to the national average. But therapists working in private practice or for larger organisations may earn above award rates. The states page shows that New South Wales has an index of 101.2, while Tasmania is 88.6. Location matters.
Super and tax considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. A therapist on $70,000 would have $8,400 added to super. Income tax for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) is nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Medicare levy adds 2%. Take-home pay for a therapist earning $70,000 would be roughly $55,000 after tax and Medicare.
The SCHADS Award changes
From 1 December 2026, home care disability employees under the SCHADS Award will receive an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum award rates. This affects therapists working in disability support. Further changes start from 1 October 2027.
Summary
A therapist salary in Australia is typically above the national minimum wage, but the exact figure depends on the award classification, experience, and employer. Award rates are a floor, not a ceiling. Using the Salary Index, you can compare any therapist salary to the national line. For precise rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides or the Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database.
Questions people ask
What award covers most therapists in Australia?
Many therapists such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates for health professional employees. Some therapists working in disability may fall under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS). Always check the award that applies to your specific role and employer.
How does therapist salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2). Under the Health Professionals Award, even entry-level support services employees earn at least $26.97 per hour, slightly above the national minimum. Health professional employees earn higher rates depending on their classification and experience. So therapist award rates are generally above the national minimum wage, but many therapists earn above award through enterprise agreements or private practice.
What is the salary index for a therapist?
The Salary Index compares a gross annual salary to full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 per year, index 100). For a therapist on the Health Professionals Award, a Level 1 health professional might earn around $55,000–$65,000 per year (index 50–60, while a more experienced Level 8 or Level 9 could earn $75,000–$80,000 (index 70–75). These are rough estimates; actual index depends on classification, experience, and whether the therapist is paid above award.