Dietician salary: award minimums and how to check your rate

How to check your dietician salary against the legal minimum

If you work as a dietician in Australia, your pay is likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum hourly and weekly rates based on your qualifications (AQF level) and years of experience. The keyword “dietician salary” often brings up general averages, but the most important figure for you is the legal minimum – the rate your employer must pay, at a minimum.

The award minimum for dieticians

Under the award, a dietician is classified as a Health Professional employee. The minimum rates are structured by AQF level (5 to 9) and years at that level. For example:

• AQF Level 5 (e.g., Diploma), 1st year: $32.44 per hour / $1,232.70 per week
• AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree), 1st year: $34.44 per hour / $1,308.80 per week
• AQF Level 9 (Masters), 1st year: $38.02 per hour / $1,444.90 per week

These rates apply to full‑time employees (38 ordinary hours per week). Part‑time and casual employees receive the same hourly rate plus casual loading (25% for casuals under the award).

How your rate compares to the floor

Use the chart above to see where the lowest award rate sits. If you are paid less than $32.44 per hour (and you hold at least a Diploma and are in your first year), your employer may be underpaying you. For more experienced dieticians, the award rate rises – for example, an AQF7 employee in their 7th year must receive at least $44.46 per hour.

The national minimum wage is a backstop

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, if a modern award covers your role, the award rate overrides the national minimum. The award rate for dieticians is higher than the national minimum, so the award is your legal floor.

Superannuation is on top

Remember that super is an employer payment on top of your salary. The super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). So if your award minimum weekly salary is $1,232.70, your employer must also contribute $147.92 to your super fund. This is not part of your take‑home pay.

What about survey averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia publish median earnings for occupations, but for dieticians the median weekly earnings are not available (marked as N/A). This is because the sample size is too small for a reliable estimate. Therefore, you cannot rely on a published “average dietician salary” – the award minimum is the only official benchmark.

When can you be paid less?

• Juniors: Employees under 21 may be paid a percentage of the adult rate (e.g., 50% at under 17, 60% at 17, etc.).
• Apprentices: Cooking apprentices (if applicable) have their own percentage rates.
• Introductory rates: Some award classifications allow a lower rate for the first 6 months, but not below $25.74 per hour.
• Supported wages: Employees with a disability may have a supported wage assessment.

If none of these apply, you must receive the full award rate.

How to check your own rate

1. Find your AQF qualification level (e.g., Bachelor degree = AQF7).
2. Count your years of experience at that level.
3. Look up the corresponding rate in the award (see Rate tables for a summary).
4. Compare your hourly or weekly pay. If it’s lower, speak to your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Award vs. enterprise agreement

Some workplaces have an enterprise agreement that may set higher rates than the award. If you are covered by an agreement, your minimum is the agreement rate. The award still acts as a safety net – the agreement cannot undercut the award.

Need more help?

• Which minimum wage applies: Find out if you are award‑free or covered by a specific award.
• Guides: Step‑by‑step explanations of pay calculations, super, and leave.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for a dietician in Australia?

For a dietician covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, the minimum rate depends on your AQF level and years of experience. The lowest rate for a Level 1 employee with an AQF5 qualification in their first year is $32.44 per hour ($1,232.70 per week). If you are award‑free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but most dieticians are covered by the award.

How does superannuation apply to a dietician salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if your award minimum weekly salary is $1,232.70, your employer must also contribute $147.92 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.

Can my employer pay me less than the award rate?

No, unless you are a junior, apprentice, or trainee with a different rate under the award. The award minimum is a legal floor. Your employer may pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract, but never less. If you are not covered by any award or agreement, the national minimum wage ($26.44/h) applies, but this is rare for dieticians.