Physio Salary Australia: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual, Fortnightly, and After-Tax Pay
A physiotherapist covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award earns a minimum hourly rate of $35.19 (AQF Level 8, 1st year) for a 38-hour week, equating to $69,534 annually before tax and super.
Understanding Physio Salary Australia
If you’re a physiotherapist or considering the profession, knowing how your hourly rate translates to annual, fortnightly, and after-tax pay is essential. This guide uses official award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission to give you a clear picture of a typical physio salary in Australia.
The 38-Hour Week and Annual Conversion
Most full-time physiotherapists work 38 ordinary hours per week under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. To convert an hourly rate to annual gross pay, use the formula:
Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For example, a physio at the minimum rate for a Level 8 (AQF Level 8) first-year employee ($35.19/hour) earns:
- Weekly: $35.19 × 38 = $1,337.22
- Fortnightly: $1,337.22 × 2 = $2,674.44
- Annual: $1,337.22 × 52 = $69,535.44
This assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a more personalised calculation, use the timesheet to enter your base rate.
Award Rates for Physiotherapists
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award sets minimum pay for physiotherapists based on their qualification level and years of experience. The award classifies health professionals under AQF levels. While a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) is common, the award lists rates for AQF Level 5 and AQF Level 8. Most physios with a four-year degree will fall under AQF Level 8. Key minimum hourly rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s award (effective from 1 July 2026) include:
| Classification | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|
| AQF Level 5 – 1st year | $32.44 |
| AQF Level 5 – 7th year+ | $40.56 |
| AQF Level 8 – 1st year | $35.19 |
| AQF Level 8 – 7th year+ | $45.30 |
These rates are for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top (see below). For a complete list of classifications, refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Casual Loading and Superannuation
If you work as a casual physio, you’re entitled to a 25% casual loading on your minimum hourly rate. This compensates for not receiving paid leave, sick leave, or public holidays. For a Level 8 first-year physio, the casual rate is $35.19 × 1.25 = $43.99 per hour.
Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time physio earning $69,535, the employer must contribute an additional $8,344 annually. This is not deducted from your pay – it’s an extra benefit.
National Minimum Wage vs. Award Rates
The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). However, physiotherapists are covered by an award that sets higher minimums. Even the lowest award rate for a health professional ($32.44) is well above the national minimum. Always check your award classification to ensure you’re paid correctly.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
After calculating your gross annual salary, you can estimate your after-tax income using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- Nil tax on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a physio earning $69,535, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $12,000–$13,000, leaving a take-home pay of roughly $56,500–$57,500. Use our take-home pay tool for a more detailed estimate.
Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting
Many physios are paid fortnightly. Using the example above, a full-time physio at $35.19/hour receives $2,674.44 gross per fortnight. After tax and Medicare, the net amount is approximately $2,170. Knowing your fortnightly figure helps with budgeting and comparing job offers.
Beyond the Minimum: Average Physio Salaries
While award rates set the floor, many physiotherapists earn more. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026, full-time adult ordinary time earnings across all occupations were $2,083.70 per week ($54.83/hour). Physio salaries vary by location, experience, and sector (public hospital, private practice, sports). For a broader perspective, see our average pay page.
Key Takeaways
- Physio salary Australia starts at $35.19/hour for a Level 8 first-year employee under the award.
- Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 × 52.
- Fortnightly pay is weekly × 2.
- Casual loading adds 25% to the base rate.
- Super is 12% on top, not included in the hourly rate.
- Tax and Medicare reduce gross pay; use the 2026–27 tax scale for estimates.
For a quick conversion of any hourly rate, visit our hourly conversion tool. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides and the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database for the most accurate, up-to-date award rates.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.