Physiotherapist salary: award minimum rates and how to check your hourly pay

How the physiotherapist salary minimum works

If you are looking up a physiotherapist salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that most physiotherapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum pay rates based on your qualification level (AQF level) and years of experience. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is a backstop – if an award applies, the award rate overrides it, and it is almost always higher for qualified physiotherapists.

The award minimum for a typical physiotherapist

A physiotherapist usually holds at least a bachelor degree, which corresponds to AQF Level 7 under the award. For a Level 1 employee at AQF Level 7 in their first year, the minimum rate from 1 October 2026 is $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week for a 38‑hour week. This is the legal floor. If you have a master’s degree (AQF Level 9) the first‑year rate is $38.02 per hour. Rates increase with experience – for example, after seven years at AQF Level 7 the minimum rises to $44.46 per hour.

These figures come from the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide. The award also includes penalty rates for evening, weekend, and public holiday work, which are calculated on top of the base rate.

Separating the legal minimum from other figures

It is important to distinguish the legal minimum (the award rate) from a survey average or a negotiated salary. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all occupations averaged $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, but that is a broad average, not a physiotherapist‑specific figure. No official median physiotherapist salary is published by the ABS or the ATO in the search results used here. Actual pay can be higher than the award minimum due to experience, specialisation, location, or enterprise agreements.

If you are employed under an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates than the award. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool to help you work out your correct minimum.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum rates quoted are before super. The superannuation guarantee requires your employer to pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. So the total cost to the employer for a first‑year Level 1 physiotherapist is at least $34.44 + $4.13 = $38.57 per hour.

What about juniors, apprentices, and trainees?

The award allows junior rates for support services roles, but for health professional classifications (like physiotherapist) junior rates do not apply – you must be paid the full adult rate if you are qualified. Apprentices and trainees in health may have different rates under the award or the Miscellaneous Award. Always check your specific classification.

How to check your own rate

To see if you are being paid correctly, find your classification in the award. Look at the AQF level of your qualification and your years of experience at Level 1. Compare your hourly rate to the award minimum. If it is lower, your employer may be underpaying you. You can use the Which minimum wage applies guide to confirm your coverage, or visit the Rate tables for a full list of award classifications.

Remember: the award is the minimum. Many physiotherapists earn above it, especially in private practice or with advanced skills. But knowing the legal floor helps you negotiate from a position of knowledge.

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