Is the Health Professionals Award the only award that covers physiotherapists in Sydney?

For most private-sector physiotherapists in Sydney, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027) is the relevant modern award. However, some employers may be covered by an enterprise agreement that sets higher rates, or by a state award if they work in the public sector. Always check the specific classification and any applicable agreement.

What is the median salary for a physiotherapist in Sydney?

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports a national median full-time weekly earnings of $1,888 for physiotherapists (before tax). This is a survey average, not a legal minimum. Sydney-specific figures are not published, but the national median provides a useful benchmark. Actual salaries vary by experience, employer, and location.

Does the award rate include superannuation?

No. The award minimum rates are base pay only. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee, which is 12% of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026) on top of the base rate. For example, on the $34.44 per hour award rate, the employer would contribute an additional $4.13 per hour into the employee’s super fund.

Physiotherapist salary Sydney: award minimums and market rates

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award sets a minimum hourly rate of $34.44 for a Level 1 AQF7 physiotherapist, while the national median full-time earnings are $1,888 per week.

Understanding the physiotherapist salary Sydney landscape

When researching a physiotherapist salary Sydney, it’s important to separate the legal minimum from typical market rates. The pay floor for most physiotherapists in Sydney is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), a modern award of the Fair Work Commission. This award covers health professionals, including physiotherapists, who are employed in private practice, hospitals, clinics, and other settings. The award provides minimum rates based on qualifications (AQF level) and years of experience. For a physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year of practice, the minimum hourly rate is $34.44 per hour, or $1,308.80 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours. These rates are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026.

How the award minimum compares to the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Because the Health Professionals Award sets higher rates for qualified physiotherapists, the award rate is the applicable minimum. However, the national minimum still acts as a backstop: no award classification can fall below it. The award also includes higher rates for more experienced physiotherapists. For example, a Level 1 AQF7 physiotherapist in their 7th year or beyond earns a minimum of $44.46 per hour. These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees; casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate (e.g., $43.05 per hour for a first-year AQF7).

Market rates vs. award minimums

The award minimum is not the same as what most physiotherapists earn. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for physiotherapists nationally is $1,888 per week (before tax). That equates to roughly $49.68 per hour based on a 38-hour week, though median hourly earnings are reported as $50. This is a survey average, not a legal requirement. Many physiotherapists in Sydney, especially those with experience or in specialised roles, earn above the award minimum. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can also set higher rates. The award is the floor, not the ceiling.

Superannuation and other entitlements

All figures discussed are base pay. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee, which from 1 July 2026 is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a physiotherapist on the award minimum of $34.44 per hour, the employer would contribute an additional $4.13 per hour into super. This is on top of the salary, not deducted from it. Other entitlements under the award include penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work, overtime, and allowances. For example, Saturday and Sunday work attracts a 50% loading (time-and-a-half) for support services employees, but health professionals have different penalty structures. Always check the specific award classification.

Which minimum wage applies?

If you are a physiotherapist in Sydney, your minimum pay is determined by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award unless you are covered by an enterprise agreement or a state award. The award classification depends on your qualifications and experience. For most physiotherapists with a bachelor’s degree, the AQF Level 7 rates apply. For those with a master’s or higher, Level 2 or above may apply. You can use the Which minimum wage applies guide to check your coverage, or refer to the Rate tables for the full award schedule.

Important caveats

The award rates are for adult employees. Junior rates (under 21) apply only to support services classifications, not health professionals. Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award or their training contract.
The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies to award-free employees, but most physiotherapists are covered by the award.
The figures in this guide are based on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award as at 1 October 2026 and the ABS May 2025 data. They are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice.

FAQs

See the FAQs above for answers to common questions about award coverage, median salaries, and superannuation.

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