Is the award rate the same as the minimum wage for physiotherapists?

No. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) is a legal floor for award-free employees. Most physiotherapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates based on qualifications and experience. For example, a Level 7 (bachelor degree) first-year physiotherapist must be paid at least $34.44 per hour. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a rate above the award, but never below it.

Do physiotherapists receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee, which is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. This is paid on top of the gross salary, not deducted from it. For a physiotherapist earning the award minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer would contribute an additional $157.06 per week to a super fund.

How does a physiotherapist's award salary compare to the average Australian full-time wage?

The award minimum for a first-year physiotherapist (Level 7) is $1,308.80 per week. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult ordinary-time earnings average $2,083.70 per week. So the award minimum is about 63% of the national average. More experienced physiotherapists or those in senior roles (Level 9 or higher) earn more, with Level 9 first-year at $1,444.90 per week.

Physiotherapist Salary Australia: Award Minimums, Tax, and Super in 2026

Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, a physiotherapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) earns at least $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week from 1 October 2026.

Physiotherapist Salary Australia: What the Award Says

When searching for a physiotherapist salary australia, the first thing to understand is that there is no single figure. Your pay depends on the award or agreement that covers you, your qualifications, and your experience. This guide explains the legal minimums, how tax and super affect your weekly packet, and where to find reliable rates.

The Legal Minimum Under the Health Professionals Award

Most physiotherapists working in private practice, hospitals, or community health are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that show the minimum rates for each classification. For a physiotherapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), the minimum from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026 is:

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

These rates come from the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database and the Ombudsman’s pay guide. They apply to full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate.

If you hold a master’s degree (AQF Level 9), the minimums are higher: $38.02 per hour in the first year, rising to $46.18 per hour after seven years.

How the Award Rate Compares to the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. The award rate for a physiotherapist is well above that floor. However, not every worker is covered by an award. If you are award-free and not covered by an enterprise agreement, the national minimum applies. Juniors, apprentices, and trainees may be paid less under specific rules.

What About Superannuation?

Super is an employer contribution on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a physiotherapist on the Level 7 first-year minimum of $1,308.80 per week, the employer pays an extra $157.06 per week into your super fund. This is not deducted from your take-home pay.

Your Weekly Packet: Tax and Medicare

Your take-home pay is less than the gross amount because of income tax and the Medicare levy. Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (with the full tax-free threshold) and estimating Medicare at 2% for incomes above $30,000, a single physiotherapist earning the Level 7 first-year minimum of $68,057.60 annually would pay roughly:

Income tax: approximately $12,300 per year (based on 2025–26 brackets, subject to change)
Medicare levy: approximately $1,361 per year
Net weekly take-home: about $1,045 per week

This is an illustration only. Your actual tax depends on your total income, offsets, and deductions. The low income tax offset may reduce tax for lower earners.

When a Higher Rate Applies

The award rate is a minimum. Many physiotherapists earn more through enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or because of experience and specialisation. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, but the award or an agreement can require a higher rate. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award.

Where to Find Reliable Figures

For the most current award rates, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average earnings data, but it is not specific to physiotherapists. For tax estimates, the Australian Taxation Office provides tables and calculators.

For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and How the figures work on this site.

Summary

A physiotherapist’s salary in Australia starts at a solid legal minimum under the Health Professionals Award, with super paid on top. The weekly packet after tax and Medicare is lower, but the award rate is a floor, not a ceiling. Always verify your classification and check if an agreement gives you more.

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