Podiatrist Salary Australia: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super Paid on Top
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a podiatrist's minimum hourly rate ranges from $32.44 to $65.77 depending on classification and experience, based on a 38-hour week.
Understanding the Podiatrist Salary in Australia
If you're researching a podiatrist salary Australia, the starting point is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets the minimum pay for podiatrists and other health professionals. The rates vary by qualification (AQF level) and years of experience. The award also covers support services employees, but podiatrists fall under the Health Professional employee classification.
How to Convert Hourly Pay to Annual Salary
The formula is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a full-time podiatrist working 38 ordinary hours per week, the annual gross salary is:
hourly rate × 38 × 52
For example, at the minimum hourly rate of $32.44 (Level 1, AQF Level 5, 1st year), the annual salary would be approximately $64,117. But remember, this is the minimum – many podiatrists earn above the award rate. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time employees at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), which equates to about $54.83 per hour – a useful benchmark for experienced podiatrists.
Fortnightly Pay
If you're paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by 2. Using the same example, weekly pay is $1,232.72 (32.44 × 38), so fortnightly is $2,465.44 before tax. This is helpful for budgeting and comparing job offers.
Casual Loading
Casual employees under this award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a podiatrist on $32.44 per hour, the casual rate becomes $40.55 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like annual leave and sick leave that casuals don't receive. When using our timesheet, you can check the "casual loading" box to add 25% to your base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading – the tool adds it for you. The casual loading is clearly defined in clause 11.4 of the award.
Superannuation Paid on Top
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 podiatrist earning $64,117 annually, the employer would contribute an additional $7,694 in super. This is not deducted from your salary; it's an extra contribution to your super fund. The award also references superannuation legislation in clause 24. You can learn more on our super and packaging page.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:
- Nil tax on the first $18,200
- 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
- 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
- 37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a podiatrist on $64,117, the tax would be approximately $11,067 plus Medicare levy of $1,282, leaving a take-home pay of about $51,768. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.
Award Rates for Podiatrists
The award classifies health professionals into levels. A podiatrist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) would typically be classified as Health Professional Level 1. The award shows rates for AQF Level 5, 6, and 8, but not explicitly Level 7. However, the rates for AQF Level 6 (advanced diploma) and AQF Level 8 (graduate diploma) provide a range. For a new graduate, the rate might be around $35–$40 per hour. More experienced podiatrists can reach Level 2 or higher, with rates up to $65.77 per hour. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the full classification details.
How to Find Your Classification
The award's Schedule B lists common health professionals and their standard minimum qualifications. Podiatrists are likely listed with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7). If your qualification is at AQF Level 7, you would be classified as Health Professional Level 1. The award provides rates for AQF Level 5, 6, and 8, but not Level 7. However, the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Guide for this award may clarify the applicable rate. As a general guide, the rate for AQF Level 6 (advanced diploma) is $32.44 to $43.67 per hour, and for AQF Level 8 (graduate diploma) it's $35.19 to $45.30 per hour. A bachelor degree holder would likely fall between these, so a starting rate of around $35 per hour is reasonable.
Experience Matters
The award increases pay with years of experience. For example, a Level 1 employee at AQF Level 6 starts at $32.44 per hour in the first year, rises to $34.44 in years 2-3, $39.03 in years 4-6, and $43.67 after 7 years. Similar progressions apply to other levels. This means a podiatrist's salary grows significantly with experience.
Comparing to Average Earnings
The ABS average weekly earnings for all employees (including part-time) is $1,579.20 per week, or about $41.56 per hour for a 38-hour week. Full-time adult ordinary time earnings are higher at $2,083.70 per week ($54.83/hour). A podiatrist's salary may fall between these figures depending on experience and location.
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, podiatrists are covered by an award, so their minimum pay is higher than the national minimum. The award rates are the legal minimums; many employers pay above these rates. If you are award/agreement free, the national minimum wage applies, but that is rare for health professionals.
Using Our Tools
To calculate your own podiatrist salary, start with our hourly conversion tool. Enter your hourly rate, select 38 hours per week, and see the annual equivalent. You can also check pay guides for the latest award rates. Our reference tables provide the full award classification rates.
Important Disclaimer
Annual pay estimates here assume 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. HELP, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.