What is the minimum physio salary under the Health Professionals Award?

For a physiotherapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year of experience, the minimum is $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week. Rates increase with experience: 2nd–3rd year $37.08/h, 4th–6th year $41.19/h, and 7th year+ $44.46/h. These are legal minimums; many employers pay above award.

Do physiotherapists have to be paid superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a physio earning the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer adds $157.06 in super, making total employment cost $1,465.86 per week.

Can a physiotherapist be paid less than the award rate?

No, if the physiotherapist is covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The award sets the minimum pay floor. However, junior employees, apprentices, or those on training wages may receive a percentage of the adult rate. Enterprise agreements can also set different rates, but they must not be less than the award overall.

Physio Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay for Physiotherapists in Australia

The minimum physio salary for a Level 1 AQF7 (bachelor degree) physiotherapist under the Health Professionals Award is $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week as of 1 October 2026, with superannuation on top.

Understanding the physio salary: award coverage vs award-free rates

When researching a physio salary in Australia, the first question is which pay floor applies. Most physiotherapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum rates well above the national minimum wage. For physiotherapists who are award-free (rare in private practice), the national minimum of $26.44 per hour applies, but the award almost always provides a higher minimum.

Award minimum rates for physiotherapists

The award classifies physiotherapists as Health Professional employees. A physiotherapist typically holds a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7). The minimum weekly and hourly rates from 1 October 2026 are:

Experience level	Weekly rate	Hourly rate
1st year	$1,308.80	$34.44
2nd–3rd year	$1,409.00	$37.08
4th–6th year	$1,565.30	$41.19
7th year+	$1,689.50	$44.46

These are the legal minimums. Many employers pay above award, especially in private practice or for experienced physios. The award also has higher classifications (Levels 2, 3, and 4) for senior or specialist roles, with rates up to $65.77 per hour for Level 4.

How superannuation fits into the physio salary

Superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid on top of the salary. For a first-year physio on the award minimum, the employer must contribute an extra $157.06 per week. So the total employment cost is $1,465.86 per week, but the employee receives the base salary plus super into their fund.

Award-free physios: the national minimum floor

If a physiotherapist is not covered by any award (for example, some roles in state public health systems may have their own awards or agreements), the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adults. However, this is rare because the Health Professionals Award has broad coverage. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award or enterprise agreement.

Comparing the physio salary to average earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. The award minimum for a first-year physio ($1,308.80) is about 63% of that average. More experienced physios (7th year+) on award minimum ($1,689.50) reach about 81% of the average. Actual physio salaries often exceed award rates, especially in private practice or with specialisations.

Enterprise agreements and negotiated salaries

Some hospitals, clinics, or group practices have enterprise agreements that set higher pay than the award. These agreements must pass the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT). A physio salary negotiated individually can also be above award. The award rate is the floor, not the ceiling.

Key takeaways

The award minimum for a physio with a bachelor degree starts at $34.44/h.
Super of 12% is paid on top.
Award-free physios get the national minimum of $26.44/h, but this is uncommon.
Actual salaries are often higher, especially with experience.

For more details on which pay floor applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also explore Rate tables for other health professional classifications.

This information is based on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 as published by the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman. The national minimum wage and award rates are set by the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides enforcement and guidance. Always check the latest award or enterprise agreement for your specific situation.

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