What is the legal minimum pay for an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist?

The legal minimum for award-free adult workers is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). However, most exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are covered by a modern award (such as the Health Professionals and Support Services Award) or an enterprise agreement, which can set higher minimum rates. Always check your classification in the relevant award or agreement.

How does the average salary for these professions compare to the national minimum?

The on-site reference does not contain a survey average or market rate specifically for exercise physiologists or physiotherapists. The ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, which is well above the national minimum. Actual salaries for these roles vary by experience, location, and employer, and may be negotiated above award rates.

Does the national minimum wage apply to all exercise physiologists and physiotherapists?

No. The national minimum wage applies only to award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. Many exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum. Also, junior rates, introductory rates, and supported wages can be lower than the adult national minimum. Always confirm your specific coverage.

Exercise Physiologist vs Physiotherapist Salary: Comparing Pay Floors and Market Benchmarks

Neither exercise physiologists nor physiotherapists have a specific rate in the on-site reference; the legal floor is the national minimum wage of $26.44/h, but award or agreement rates may be higher.

Exercise Physiologist vs Physiotherapist Salary: A Practical Check

When comparing the exercise physiologist vs physiotherapist salary, it is important to start with the legal pay floor. Neither profession has a specific rate in the on-site reference, so the starting point is the national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Superannuation (the super guarantee) is an employer payment of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.

Separating the Legal Minimum from Other Pay Concepts

It is vital to distinguish between the legal minimum, a survey average, an award rate, and a negotiated salary. The legal minimum is the floor: no adult award-free employee can be paid less than $26.44 per hour (unless a junior, apprentice, or other exception applies). A survey average, such as the ABS figure for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, reflects what many employees earn on average, but it is not a minimum. An award rate is set by a modern award and can be higher than the national minimum. A negotiated salary is what an individual agrees with their employer, which can be above the award or minimum.

For exercise physiologists and physiotherapists, the relevant modern award is often the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum rates for various classifications. However, the on-site reference does not include those specific award rates. To find the correct rate, you must look up the award classification that matches your role and experience. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates than the award.

How to Check Your Own Rate

To compare your own pay against the legal floor, take your hourly rate (excluding super) and see if it is at least $26.44. If you are a casual, check that your rate is at least $33.05. If you are a junior (under 21), the national minimum allows lower percentages: for example, a 19-year-old award-free junior must receive at least $21.82 per hour (82.5% of the adult rate). Remember that these are only the legal minima; your award or agreement may require more.

If you are unsure which award applies, use the Which minimum wage applies guide on this site. You can also refer to the Rate tables for historical national minimum wage figures. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free resources to help you identify your award and classification.

What the Reference Does Not Tell You

The on-site reference does not contain a market salary survey for exercise physiologists or physiotherapists. It does not provide a median, a celebrity pay figure, or an employer-specific rate. Therefore, any claim about the “average” salary for these professions would be an invention. The only reliable benchmarks are the national minimum wage, the ABS average earnings for all full-time adults, and the specific award or agreement that covers you.

The Role of Superannuation

When discussing pay, remember that the super guarantee is an additional employer cost. For an employee earning $26.44 per hour, the employer must pay an extra 12% (about $3.17 per hour) into a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee’s wage; it is paid on top. When comparing salaries, ensure you are comparing base rates excluding super.

Award Coverage and Higher Rates

A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher minimum than the national minimum. For example, a physiotherapist classified at a certain level under the Health Professionals Award may be entitled to $30 or more per hour. An exercise physiologist with similar qualifications may fall under the same award or a different one. Always check the specific award. If no award covers you, the national minimum applies, but you can still negotiate a higher salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

See the FAQs above for answers to common questions about legal minima, averages, and coverage.

Important Disclaimer

This information is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. The adult weekly national minimum is the published $1,004.90 figure. Multiplying $26.44 by 38 lands 18 cents lower because of rounding in the order. Casual weekly figures on this site are the published casual hourly rate times 38 ordinary hours, with no penalty rates. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional for your specific situation.