Physiotherapist Salary Melbourne: Award Minimums and What You Actually Take Home

Physiotherapist Salary Melbourne: What the Law Says You Must Pay

If you are searching for a physiotherapist salary melbourne, the first number you need is the legal minimum. Most physiotherapists in Melbourne are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which the Fair Work Commission sets. The award has specific minimum rates for health professionals based on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. A physiotherapist typically holds a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7). Under the award, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time Level 7 employee is $1,308.80 (first year), $1,409.00 (second and third year), $1,565.30 (fourth to sixth year), and $1,689.50 (seventh year and beyond). The corresponding hourly rates are $34.44, $37.08, $41.19, and $44.46. These rates apply from 1 October 2026, after the Annual Wage Review 2026.

What the Award Covers

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award covers employers throughout Australia in the health industry, including private physiotherapy practices, hospitals, and community health centres. If you work in a public hospital in Victoria, you may be covered by a state public sector award instead. Always check which award applies to your job. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides and a Pay and Conditions Tool to help you find the correct classification.

How Super and Tax Affect Your Take-Home Pay

When discussing a physiotherapist salary melbourne, remember that the award rate is before tax and before super. The super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, a Level 7 physiotherapist in their fourth year earning $1,565.30 per week would have an additional $187.84 per week paid into super by the employer. Tax and Medicare levy are deducted from the weekly wage. For the 2026-27 tax year, a single person earning $1,565.30 per week ($81,395.60 annually) would pay approximately $16,000 in tax and $1,628 in Medicare levy, leaving a net weekly pay of around $1,160. The actual amount depends on your tax file number, HELP debt, and other factors.

Award Minimum vs. Market Salary

The award rate is the legal floor. Many physiotherapists in Melbourne earn above the award, especially with experience or in private practice. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, but this includes all occupations. A physiotherapist salary melbourne could be higher or lower depending on the employer, location, and negotiation. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The award does not prevent an employer from paying more; it only sets the minimum.

Junior and Apprentice Rates

If you are a junior physiotherapist (under 21), the award does not have junior rates for health professionals. However, support services employees have junior rates. For health professionals, the minimum is the adult rate regardless of age. Apprentice physiotherapists (if applicable) follow the award's apprenticeship clauses. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only if no award covers you, but most physiotherapists are covered by the award.

How to Check Your Pay

Use the Which minimum wage applies guide to confirm your award coverage. The Rate tables page has the full Health Professionals Award rates. If you believe you are underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a physiotherapist in Melbourne?

The minimum wage for a physiotherapist in Melbourne is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. For a Level 7 (AQF7) physiotherapist, the hourly rate ranges from $34.44 (first year) to $44.46 (seven years plus). These are legal minimums; many employers pay above award.

Does the physiotherapist salary include super?

No, the salary figure does not include super. The super guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% on top of ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For a physiotherapist earning $41.19 per hour, the employer pays an extra $4.94 per hour into super.

How does the award rate compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but the Health Professionals Award has higher minimums. A physiotherapist at Level 7 pays $41.19 per hour, which is 56% above the national minimum. The award rate is the legal floor; an enterprise agreement can set a higher rate.

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