Dietician Salary: Hourly to Annual Pay Under the Health Professionals Award
A dietician classified as a Health Professional Level 1 (AQF Level 5) earns between $32.44 and $40.56 per hour, equating to an annual salary of $64,100 to $80,100 for a 38-hour week before super and tax.
Understanding Your Dietician Salary
If you're a dietician in Australia, your pay is likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum hourly rates for different classifications and experience levels. Converting your hourly rate to an annual salary helps you compare job offers, budget, and plan for tax and super. This guide uses the latest award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission, updated from 1 July 2026.
Award Rates for Dieticians
Under the award, dieticians are classified as Health Professional employees. The minimum rates depend on your qualification (AQF level) and years of experience. For a Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF Level 5 qualification (e.g., a Diploma), the rates are:
- 1st year: $32.44 per hour
- 2nd–3rd year: $34.44 per hour
- 4th–6th year: $37.53 per hour
- 7th year+: $40.56 per hour
These rates are for full-time employees working an average of 38 hours per week. Many dieticians hold a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7), which may place them at a higher classification or pay point. Always check your specific classification with your employer or the award.
From Hourly to Annual: The Formula
To estimate your annual dietician salary, use this simple formula:
Annual gross pay = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For a full-time dietician on $37.53 per hour (4th–6th year):
$37.53 × 38 × 52 = $74,160 per year
This assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work part-time, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. The reference tables page has pre-calculated conversions for common rates.
Casual Loading: 25% on Top
If you work as a casual dietician, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave or other entitlements. For example, a casual dietician on $34.44 per hour would receive $43.05 per hour. The loading is applied before calculating overtime or penalty rates. Use the casual loading page to see how this affects your take-home pay.
Important: When using a calculator, enter your base hourly rate without the casual loading. The loading is added separately.
Superannuation: Paid on Top
Your employer must contribute superannuation at 12% of your ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is paid on top of your gross salary, not deducted from it. For a full-time dietician earning $74,160 per year, the super contribution would be $8,899.20, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not included in your hourly rate or annual salary figure; it's an additional benefit. See super and packaging for more details.
Tax on Your Dietician Salary
For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are:
- Nil up to $18,200
- 15% from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% from $45,001 to $45,001
- 37% from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% above $190,001
Plus a Medicare levy of 2% on taxable income above the tax-free threshold. The tax-free threshold for the full tax-free threshold is assumed. For a $74,160 salary, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $13,000–$14,000, depending on your exact deductions. Use the take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.
Comparing with National Minimum Wage and Averages
The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. A dietician's award rate is well above this minimum. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports average weekly earnings for full-time adults at $2,083.70 (May 2026), which equates to about $108,352 per year. A dietician's salary may be lower than this average, especially at entry level, but increases with experience and qualifications.
Fortnightly Pay
If you are paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For a dietician earning $1,426 per week (based on $37.53 per hour for 38 hours), your fortnightly gross pay would be $2,852. This is useful for budgeting and comparing with job advertisements that quote fortnightly rates.
Important Disclaimer
The annual salary shown here is an estimate based on the formula: 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 uses 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.
For more accurate calculations, refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman or use the timesheet to enter your specific hours and rate.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.