Orthoptist Salary Guide: Award Minimums and What the Data Shows

Understanding the Orthoptist Salary Landscape

If you are researching an orthoptist salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single published median figure. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not release median weekly earnings for orthoptists due to a high standard error in its survey data. This means any salary figure you see online should be treated as an estimate, not a verified statistic.

What we do have is a clear legal minimum. Orthoptists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum rates of pay for health professional employees. The award is enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Fair Work Commission adjusts the rates each year through the Annual Wage Review.

Award Minimum Rates for Orthoptists

The award classifies health professionals into levels based on their qualifications (Australian Qualifications Framework level) and years of experience. Orthoptists typically hold a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), which likely places them at Health Professional Level 2 after a period at Level 1. However, the award’s published rates for Level 1 are given for AQF Levels 5 and 6 only. For Level 2, the weekly rates are:

• Level 2.1: $1,945.40 per week ($51.19 per hour)
• Level 2.2: $1,983.20 per week ($52.19 per hour)
• Level 3: $1,983.20 per week ($52.19 per hour)
• Level 4: $2,499.10 per week ($65.77 per hour)

These are full-time rates for a 38-hour week. Part-time and casual employees receive the same hourly rate plus a 25% casual loading (for casuals). Superannuation (the Super Guarantee) is paid on top at 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026.

For a less experienced orthoptist at Level 1 with an AQF Level 6 qualification, the minimum weekly rate ranges from $1,232.70 (1st year) to $1,659.30 (7th year+). The exact classification depends on the employer’s assessment of the employee’s qualifications and experience.

How the Award Compares to the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). The award rates for orthoptists are significantly higher than this floor, reflecting the professional nature of the work. Even the lowest award rate for a health professional (AQF Level 5, 1st year at $1,232.70 per week) is well above the national minimum.

However, the national minimum wage remains important as a backstop. If an orthoptist is award-free (unlikely), they would be entitled to at least $26.44 per hour. But in practice, almost all orthoptists are covered by the Health Professionals Award or a registered enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate.

What About Enterprise Agreements?

Some hospitals, clinics, or state health services have enterprise agreements that override the award. These agreements must pass the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT), meaning the total package (including allowances, penalties, and leave) must be no less favourable than the award. If you work under an agreement, check its pay rates – they may be higher than the award minimum.

Why Median Data Is Missing

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, does not publish median weekly earnings for the occupation “Optometrists and Orthoptists” (ANZSCO 2514). The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median earnings are “N/A” because the relative standard error is 25% or higher. This is common for smaller professions. Without a reliable median, it is impossible to say what a typical orthoptist earns. Any figure you see on other websites is likely an estimate or a small-sample average.

What This Means for Your Pay Check

If you are an orthoptist or employer, the starting point is the award classification. Determine the correct AQF level and years of experience, then apply the minimum rate from the award. Remember that super is additional. For casual employees, add 25% loading. For juniors, apprentices, or trainees, the award provides percentage rates (e.g., 80% for a 19-year-old).

For more detail on which minimum wage applies to your situation, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for the national minimum and award summaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for an orthoptist under the Health Professionals Award? The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for Health Professional employees. For a Level 1 employee with an AQF Level 6 qualification (diploma/advanced diploma), the weekly rate ranges from $1,232.70 (1st year) to $1,659.30 (7th year+). For Level 2 (likely AQF Level 7 bachelor degree), the rate starts at $1,945.40 per week. These rates apply before superannuation (12% on top). The actual classification depends on the orthoptist’s qualifications and years of experience.

Why is there no median salary data for orthoptists? The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours does not publish median weekly earnings for orthoptists because the sample size is too small, leading to a high relative standard error. This means no reliable median figure is available. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for Optometrists and Orthoptists also lists median earnings as N/A. Therefore, any quoted median should be treated with caution.

Can an orthoptist be paid less than the award rate? No. The award minimum is the legal floor. An employer cannot pay less than the applicable award rate, unless a registered enterprise agreement provides a higher rate. Junior employees, apprentices, or trainees may be paid a percentage of the adult rate, but only if the award allows it. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) acts as a backstop for award-free employees, but orthoptists are almost always covered by the award.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.