What is the minimum hourly rate for a physiotherapist in Australia?

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a Level 1 health professional with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 8) in their first year earns a minimum of $35.19 per hour as of 1 October 2026. Rates increase with experience and higher AQF levels. The award minimums are higher than the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour.

How is casual loading applied to a physiotherapy salary?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 8 first-year physiotherapist, the casual rate is $35.19 × 1.25 = $43.99 per hour. This loading replaces entitlements like paid leave. Overtime rates also apply to casuals.

Does superannuation count as part of a physiotherapy salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of the base salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time physiotherapist earning $69,500, the employer would contribute an additional $8,340 into super, making total remuneration about $77,840.

Physiotherapy Salary Guide 2026: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Take-Home Pay

A new-graduate physiotherapist (AQF Level 8, 1st year) earns a minimum hourly rate of $35.19 under the award, equating to about $69,500 per year before tax and super, assuming 38 ordinary hours per week.

Understanding a Physiotherapy Salary Under the Award

If you are looking at a physiotherapy salary, the starting point is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which covers most private medical practices. The award sets minimum hourly rates based on your qualification (AQF level) and years of experience. For a new-graduate physiotherapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 8), the minimum hourly rate is $35.19 as of 1 October 2026, after the Annual Wage Review and gender-based undervaluation adjustments.

To convert that hourly rate to an annual figure, use the standard formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume 38 ordinary hours per week, as defined in the award for full-time employees. So:

$35.19 × 38 × 52 = $69,535 per year (before tax and super).

This is the minimum for a Level 8 first-year. With experience, you move through pay points: second–third year ($38.02/hour), fourth–sixth year ($41.71/hour), and seventh year+ ($45.30/hour). Higher classifications (Level 2, 3, 4) apply to senior or specialist roles, with rates up to $65.77/hour.

Fortnightly Pay

Most employers pay weekly or fortnightly. A fortnightly gross pay for the new graduate would be:

$35.19 × 38 × 2 = $2,674 (before tax).

This helps when budgeting or comparing salary offers.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours minimum wage. Award rates for physiotherapists are significantly higher because they reflect professional qualifications. The award also sets ordinary hours between 6 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with overtime penalties for work outside those times.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual physiotherapist, you get a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For the Level 8 first-year, that’s $35.19 × 1.25 = $43.99 per hour. The loading compensates for not receiving paid sick leave, annual leave, or other entitlements. When using our timesheet, you can check the box to add casual loading – never include it in the base rate you enter.

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a $69,535 salary, the employer contributes an extra $8,344 into your super fund. That brings total remuneration to about $77,879.

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident rates:

Nil 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 the Medicare levy of 2% (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds).

For a $69,535 annual salary, the estimated tax (including Medicare) is roughly $11,500, leaving a take-home pay of about $58,000 per year, or $2,230 per fortnight. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed breakdown.

Comparing Physiotherapy Salaries to Average Earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,350 per year. A new-graduate physiotherapist’s award rate is below that average, but experienced physiotherapists in senior roles (Level 4) earn $65.77/hour, which equates to $129,900 per year – above the national average.

All employees total earnings (including part-time) average $1,579.20 per week, reflecting the mix of full-time and part-time workers. Many physiotherapists work part-time or casual, so actual earnings vary.

Using Pay Guides and Reference Tables

For the most accurate rates, always check the official pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award Pay Guide includes all classifications, allowances, and penalty rates. Our reference tables also summarise award rates and tax brackets.

Remember: the calculation here assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. It is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

Key Takeaways

A physiotherapy salary under the award starts at $35.19/hour for a new graduate.
Annual gross = hourly × 38 × 52.
Casual loading adds 25% on top of the base rate.
Super is 12% paid on top, up to the contribution cap.
Tax and Medicare reduce take-home pay by roughly 16–20% at this level.
Award rates are higher than the National Minimum Wage and reflect professional qualifications.