How does the median nutritionist salary compare to the national minimum wage?

According to the ABS (May 2025), the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial Nutrition Professionals (including nutritionists) is $1,667. This is about 66% higher than the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week. However, this median reflects experienced employees and may not apply to entry-level roles.

Are nutritionists covered by an award?

Yes, most nutritionists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates that are generally higher than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for this award. If you are award-free (e.g., in a managerial role or not covered by any award), the national minimum wage applies.

Nutritionist Salary Guide: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Minimum Rates

Q: What is the minimum wage for a nutritionist in Australia?

For award-free nutritionists, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. However, most nutritionists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates. Check the award classification or your enterprise agreement for your exact minimum.

The legal minimum for award-free nutritionists is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026, but most nutritionists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 which sets higher minimum rates.

Understanding the nutritionist salary in Australia

When researching a nutritionist salary, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. This guide explains the different pay floors that apply to nutritionists in Australia, using the latest data from the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and Jobs and Skills Australia.

Legal minimum: award-free rates

For nutritionists who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage sets the floor. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38-hour ordinary week). Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to award-free national-system employees. Remember that superannuation (the super guarantee) of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Lower rates apply for junior employees, apprentices, and trainees. For example, an award-free 18-year-old nutritionist is entitled to 68.3% of the adult rate, or $18.06 per hour ($22.58 casual). Always check your age and employment type before assuming the full adult rate.

Award coverage for nutritionists

Most nutritionists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum wages that are higher than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database shows that from 1 October 2026, minimum rates for health professional employees under this award increased as part of the gender-based undervaluation review. While exact classification rates are not published in this guide, the award backstop ensures that no ongoing employee can be paid less than $26.44 per hour, and introductory rates (first 6 months) cannot fall below $25.74 per hour.

If you are covered by an award, your employer must pay at least the award rate for your classification. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides and tools to help you find your correct minimum.

Survey averages: what the ABS reports

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial Nutrition Professionals (ANZSCO 2511, which includes dietitians and nutritionists) at $1,667 per week. This is about 66% above the national minimum wage. However, this figure is a median for the broader occupation group and may not reflect entry-level salaries or part-time work. About 53% of Nutrition Professionals work full-time, and the median age is 35. The ABS notes that these figures are a guide only and should not be used to determine a specific wage rate.

For dietitians specifically (ANZSCO 251111), the ABS does not publish a reliable median weekly earnings figure due to high standard error. This means we cannot give a precise survey average for dietitians alone.

Negotiated salaries and market rates

Beyond the legal minimum and award rates, actual nutritionist salaries vary by experience, location, and employer. Public health roles, private practice, and corporate wellness positions may offer different pay. The median of $1,667 per week (approximately $86,684 per year before tax) is a useful benchmark, but your actual salary may be higher or lower. Always consider the total package, including superannuation (12% on top), leave entitlements, and any penalty rates.

How to find your correct pay floor

Check if you are covered by an award. Most nutritionists are under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Find My Award tool.
If award-free, the national minimum wage applies. See our Rate tables for current figures.
If covered by an enterprise agreement, your agreement may set higher rates. Your employer must provide a copy.
For juniors, apprentices, or trainees, special rates apply. Refer to our Guides for details.

Remember, the national minimum wage is a floor, not a target. Most nutritionists earn well above it. For more on how these figures are calculated, see How the figures work.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered the most common questions about nutritionist salary in the FAQ section above. If you need further assistance, the Fair Work Ombudsman can provide free advice, or you can explore our Topics page for related guides.