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

For a chiropractor covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate depends on qualifications and experience. A Level 1 AQF 7 (bachelor degree) first-year chiropractor must be paid at least $34.44 per hour, or $1,308.80 per week for a 38-hour week. Rates increase with years of experience and for higher classification levels (Levels 2–4).

Does the national minimum wage apply to chiropractors?

No, the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) does not apply to chiropractors who are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. The award sets a higher minimum. If you are award-free (rare for chiropractors), the national minimum would apply, but most chiropractors in private practice are covered by the award.

How does superannuation affect chiropractor salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. For a chiropractor earning the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer must contribute an additional $157.06 per week into a super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory retirement benefit.

Chiropractor salary: award minimum rates and what they mean for your pay

The minimum chiropractor salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award is $34.44 per hour for a Level 1 AQF 7 first-year employee, with higher rates for experience and senior roles.

Chiropractor salary: what the award says

If you are looking for a clear answer on the chiropractor salary you can expect as a minimum, the starting point is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This Fair Work Commission award covers chiropractors working in private practice – including medical centres, chiropractic clinics, and allied health settings. The award sets legally enforceable minimum rates that are higher than the national minimum wage.

Award minimum rates for chiropractors

Under the award, a chiropractor is classified as a Health Professional employee. The minimum rate depends on your Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. Most chiropractors hold a bachelor degree (AQF 7). The current rates (from 1 October 2026) are:

Level 1, AQF 7, 1st year: $34.44 per hour / $1,308.80 per week
Level 1, AQF 7, 2nd–3rd year: $37.08 per hour / $1,409.00 per week
Level 1, AQF 7, 4th–6th year: $41.19 per hour / $1,565.30 per week
Level 1, AQF 7, 7th year+: $44.46 per hour / $1,689.50 per week

Higher classification levels (Levels 2, 3, and 4) apply to chiropractors with advanced skills, supervisory duties, or management responsibilities. For example, Level 2.1 starts at $51.19 per hour. You can check the full classification definitions in the award.

How this compares to the national minimum wage

The adult national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Because the award minimum for a chiropractor is much higher, the national minimum does not apply to you if you are covered by the award. However, if you are award-free (for example, working in a state public sector role not covered by the award), the national minimum would be the floor. Always check which award or agreement covers your job.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum rates quoted are base salary. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund. For a chiropractor on the Level 1 1st-year rate, that adds about $157 per week in super. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an additional payment from your employer.

What about average chiropractor salary?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for chiropractors at the six-digit ANZSCO level (252111). The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median earnings figures are not produced for this occupation. Therefore, the most reliable benchmark for a chiropractor salary is the award minimum. Actual salaries can be higher depending on experience, location, patient volume, and whether you run your own practice.

Practical check: comparing an offered rate

If you have been offered an hourly rate, compare it to the award minimum for your experience level. For example, if you are a new graduate offered $35 per hour, that is above the $34.44 minimum – but check whether the role requires higher duties or if you are entitled to a higher classification. If the rate is below the award minimum, your employer must increase it. You can also check if an enterprise agreement applies that may set a higher rate.

Where to find more information

Which minimum wage applies – a guide to finding your correct pay floor.
Rate tables – current award and national minimum wage rates.

Important notes

The award rates above are from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s published award (MA000027) as amended up to 1 October 2026.
Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate, as set out in the award.
Apprentice chiropractors have separate minimum rates under the award.
This information is a guide only. For your specific situation, consult the award or seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.