Occupational Therapist Salary Australia: Award Minimums and Market Earnings

Occupational Therapist Salary Australia: What You Need to Know

When researching the occupational therapist salary Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor and the market average. Occupational therapists are skilled health professionals, and their pay is regulated by a specific modern award. This guide explains the award minimums, how they compare with survey data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and what factors can push pay above the floor.

The Legal Minimum: The Health Professionals and Support Services Award

Occupational therapists are classified as Health Professional employees under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, but this award provides higher minimum rates for qualified OTs. The award uses Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels and years of experience to determine the correct classification.

For an occupational therapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), the minimum weekly rates from 1 October 2026 are:

• 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 and over: $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour)

These rates are the minimum an employer must pay before any loadings or penalties. A casual employee receives a 25% loading on top. The award also includes higher classifications for OTs with postgraduate qualifications (AQF Level 8 or 9) or who move into Level 2, 3, or 4 roles, which attract even higher minimums.

It is important to note that an enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a rate above the award minimum. The award is the floor, not the ceiling.

Market Earnings: What the ABS Reports

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, provides a snapshot of what occupational therapists actually earn. For full-time non-managerial employees, the median weekly earnings are $1,913, and the median hourly earnings are $50. This is significantly above the award minimums, reflecting the fact that many OTs have several years of experience, work in higher classifications, or are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above the award.

However, the median is not a target or a guarantee. It includes OTs in both public and private sectors, across all states and territories. Entry-level graduates will typically start at the award rate, while experienced OTs in senior roles can earn well above the median.

Separating the Different Figures

When you see a figure for the occupational therapist salary Australia, ask whether it is:

• An award minimum – the legal floor set by the Fair Work Commission.
• A survey median or average – a statistical snapshot from the ABS or other sources.
• A negotiated salary – what an individual actually receives, which may be higher due to experience, location, or an enterprise agreement.

Mixing these up can lead to unrealistic expectations. For example, a graduate should not expect the median $1,913 per week immediately; they will likely start at the award rate for a Level 1, 1st-year employee.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

All salary figures in this article are before tax and do not include superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This means an employer must contribute an additional 12% of your base pay into a super fund. For an OT earning $1,913 per week, that is an extra $229.56 per week in super contributions. Always consider super as part of your total remuneration package.

How the National Minimum Wage Applies

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee. This is the absolute floor for award-free employees. However, because occupational therapists are covered by a modern award, their minimum is the award rate, which is higher. The national minimum only applies if the award rate is lower (which it is not) or if the employee is not covered by any award (unlikely for an OT).

For more detail on how minimum wages are calculated, see our How the figures work page. You can also browse Rate tables for other health professional classifications.

Factors That Influence Your Pay

Several factors can push an occupational therapist's salary above the award minimum:

• Experience and seniority – moving up the award's experience bands or into Level 2/3/4.
• Location – remote or regional areas may attract additional allowances.
• Sector – public health systems often have enterprise agreements with higher rates.
• Specialisation – some clinical areas command premium pay.
• Private practice – self-employed OTs set their own rates, but must still meet award minimums for employees.

Summary

The occupational therapist salary Australia is not a single number. The legal minimum for a new graduate under the award is $34.44 per hour, while the median full-time earnings reported by the ABS are $50 per hour. Understanding the difference between the award floor and market averages helps you negotiate fairly and know your rights. Always check the applicable award or enterprise agreement for your specific situation.