What is the minimum wage for an occupational therapist in Australia?

The minimum wage for an occupational therapist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. As of 1 October 2026, a Level 1 occupational therapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year must be paid at least $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week. Higher levels and more experience attract higher minimums. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour does not apply because the award rate is higher.

How does superannuation affect my occupational therapist salary?

Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if your minimum award salary is $1,308.80 per week, your employer must also pay $157.06 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is additional.

Can an employer pay an occupational therapist less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the legal minimum. An employer cannot pay less unless a registered enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement provides a higher rate. Junior employees, apprentices, or those on supported wages may have different rates, but for qualified occupational therapists, the award minimum applies.

Occupational Therapist Salary: Award Minimums, Tax, and Super in 2026

The minimum occupational therapist salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $34.44 per hour for a Level 1 graduate to $65.77 per hour for Level 4, with superannuation paid on top.

Understanding the occupational therapist salary floor

When researching an occupational therapist salary in Australia, the first step is identifying the legal minimum. Most occupational therapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates based on qualifications and experience. This guide explains how that minimum compares with the national minimum wage, how tax and Medicare affect your weekly packet, and what superannuation your employer must add on top.

The award minimum for occupational therapists

The Fair Work Commission’s award includes several classification levels. A newly graduated occupational therapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) is classified as Health Professional Level 1. The minimum weekly rate from 1 October 2026 is:

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

Higher levels (Level 2, 3, 4) require advanced skills or management duties, with Level 4 paying $2,499.10 per week ($65.77 per hour). These rates are the legal minimum – your employer may pay more, but never less.

How this compares with the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult employees not covered by an award. Because occupational therapists are covered by a modern award, their minimum is the award rate, which is significantly higher. The award also includes penalty rates, allowances, and overtime provisions that can increase pay further.

Tax, Medicare, and your weekly packet

Your gross occupational therapist salary is not what you take home. For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates apply progressively. Medicare levy of 2% applies once your annualised ordinary gross income exceeds $30,000. Using the Level 1 first-year rate of $1,308.80 per week:

Annual gross: $68,057.60 (52 weeks)
Estimated tax (with full tax-free threshold): about $11,067
Medicare levy (2% of taxable income above $30,000): about $1,361
Net weekly take-home: roughly $1,070

This is an estimate only. Your actual tax depends on offsets, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice. The ATO’s tax tables provide exact figures.

Superannuation is on top

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For the $1,308.80 weekly rate, that’s an extra $157.06 per week paid into your super fund. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional cost to the employer.

Where to check current rates

For the most up-to-date award rates, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. The award is updated after each Annual Wage Review. You can also visit our Which minimum wage applies page to see if your situation is covered by a different award, or browse Rate tables for other occupations.

What about negotiated salaries?

Many employers offer salaries above the award minimum, especially in public hospitals or private practice. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific occupational therapist average, but industry surveys suggest experienced therapists often earn between $80,000 and $100,000 annually. Your negotiated salary should always be at least the award rate, and any enterprise agreement must pass the Better Off Overall Test.

Key points to remember

The legal minimum for an occupational therapist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, not the national minimum wage.
Award rates vary by qualification level and years of experience.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your salary.
Tax and Medicare reduce your take-home pay; use the ATO’s tax calculator for estimates.
Always check the current award – rates change from 1 July each year.

For more guidance, see our How the figures work page or Topics on health professional pay.