How is an audiologist salary determined under the award?

Audiologists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Minimum rates depend on the classification level and years of experience. For a Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification, the hourly rate ranges from $32.44 (1st year) to $40.56 (7th year+). Higher qualifications and experience lead to higher pay points.

What is the casual loading for audiologists?

Casual audiologists receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 casual at $32.44 per hour would be paid $40.55 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like annual leave and sick leave that casuals do not receive.

How does superannuation affect an audiologist's total compensation?

Superannuation is paid on top of the salary at 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an audiologist earning $80,000 annually, the employer contributes an extra $9,600 into super. This is not included in take-home pay but adds to retirement savings.

Audiologist Salary: Hourly to Annual, Tax, and Super Guide

A full-time audiologist under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award earns at least $32.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF 5, 1st year), equating to about $64,118 annually based on 38 hours per week.

Understanding the Audiologist Salary in Australia

If you're an audiologist or considering the profession, knowing how your hourly rate translates to annual pay is essential for budgeting and comparing job offers. Audiologists in Australia are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum wages for various classifications. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides official pay guides, and the Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database with up-to-date rates.

Award Minimum Rates for Audiologists

Under the award, a Health Professional employee at Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (diploma) earns a minimum hourly rate of $32.44 in their first year, rising to $40.56 after seven years. However, most audiologists hold a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or higher, which places them at a higher pay point. The award's classification structure includes multiple levels up to Level 9, with rates reaching $39.42 per hour for Level 9 Pay Point 3. For a more typical experienced audiologist, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026, equivalent to about $54.31 per hour for a 38-hour week. This suggests many audiologists earn above the award minimum.

Converting Hourly to Annual: The 38-Hour Week

The standard full-time week under the award is 38 ordinary hours. To estimate your annual gross salary, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 hours × 52 weeks

For example, an audiologist earning $40.00 per hour would have an annual salary of $40 × 38 × 52 = $79,040. If you're paid fortnightly, that's $40 × 76 hours = $3,040 per fortnight. This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, and no penalty rates or allowances. You can use the timesheet to quickly convert any hourly rate to annual, weekly, and fortnightly figures.

Tax and Medicare on Your Annual Salary

Once you have your annual gross, the Australian Taxation Office applies progressive tax rates for 2026–27:

Nil on income up to $18,200
15% on the next $26,800 (to $45,000)
30% on the next $90,000 (to $135,000)
37% on the next $55,000 (to $190,000)
45% on income above $190,000

Plus, the Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For an audiologist earning $80,000 annually, the tax would be approximately $5,092 plus $13,500 (30% of $45,000) = $18,592, plus Medicare of $1,600, leaving about $59,808 after tax. This is an estimate; your actual tax may vary with deductions and offsets. See our take-home pay guide for more details.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Employers must contribute superannuation at 12% of ordinary earnings, on top of your salary. This is not deducted from your pay. For the $80,000 example, the employer adds $9,600 to your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is a valuable part of your total compensation package. Learn more about super and packaging.

Casual Loading and Award Rates

If you work as a casual audiologist, you receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 casual at $32.44 per hour, the loading adds $8.11, making the casual rate $40.55 per hour. Casual employees also get higher overtime rates: 187.5% for the first two hours and 250% thereafter (Monday to Saturday). The casual loading page explains how this works.

Putting It All Together

Whether you're negotiating a salary or planning your finances, understanding the conversion from hourly to annual is key. The award provides a safety net, but many audiologists earn above the minimum. Use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman for the latest award rates, and remember that super is paid on top. For a quick estimate, the formula hourly × 38 × 52 gives your annual gross, then apply tax and Medicare to find your take-home pay.

Disclaimer: Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.