Does the Health Professionals and Support Services Award cover all podiatrists?

Most podiatrists working in private practice, hospitals, or community health are covered by this award. However, if you work in a state public sector role or are covered by an enterprise agreement, a different pay floor may apply. Check your employment contract and the award's coverage clause at .

Can a podiatrist be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the legal minimum for award-covered employees. Junior employees, apprentices, or those on supported wages may receive a percentage of the adult rate. An enterprise agreement can set a higher rate but cannot undercut the award. The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) is a backstop, but award rates are higher.

How does superannuation affect the podiatrist salary figure?

Superannuation guarantee contributions (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings) are paid by the employer on top of the salary. The award rates quoted are before super. For example, a first-year podiatrist on $34.44/h would also receive an additional $4.13/h in super, making total employment cost $38.57/h.

Podiatrist Salary Australia: Award Rates and Minimum Pay Guide

Podiatrists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with minimum hourly rates from $34.44 for a Level 1 (AQF 7) first-year to $44.46 after seven years.

Podiatrist Salary Australia: What You Need to Know

If you're searching for a podiatrist salary Australia figure, the most reliable starting point is the minimum pay floor set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award covers most podiatrists working in private practice, hospitals, and community health settings. The Fair Work Commission reviews award wages each year, and the current rates (effective from 1 July 2026) are published by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Award Minimum Rates for Podiatrists

Podiatrists typically hold a bachelor's degree, which corresponds to AQF Level 7 under the award. The minimum weekly and hourly rates for a full‑time employee (38 ordinary hours) are:

Years of experience at Level 1	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 and over	$1,689.50	$44.46

These rates are the legal minimum for award‑covered employees. Your employer must pay at least this amount before tax. Superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top.

How This Compares to the National Minimum

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). However, the award rate for podiatrists is significantly higher, so the national minimum acts only as a backstop for award‑free workers. If you are covered by the award, your pay floor is the award classification, not the national minimum.

What If You Are Award‑Free?

A small number of podiatrists may not be covered by the award – for example, if you are a sole trader, work in a state public sector role with a separate state award, or are covered by an enterprise agreement. In those cases, the national minimum wage applies as a floor, but your actual pay may be negotiated or set by the agreement. Always check your employment contract and ask your employer which award or agreement applies.

Using This Guide to Check Your Hourly Rate

To see if you are being paid correctly, compare your hourly rate (excluding super) to the award rate for your experience level. If you are a casual employee, your rate should include a 25% casual loading – that means the casual minimum for a first‑year podiatrist is $43.05 per hour ($34.44 × 1.25).

For more detail on how award rates are calculated, see our Rate tables page. If you're unsure which award applies, start with our Which minimum wage applies guide.

The Role of Enterprise Agreements

Some larger employers, such as public hospitals or corporate podiatry chains, may have an enterprise agreement that sets higher rates or different conditions. An enterprise agreement cannot provide less than the award, so the award remains the safety net. If you are covered by an agreement, your pay should be at least as good as the award.

Sources and Reliability

The rates in this guide come from the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 as published by the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database . The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) does not publish a reliable median hourly rate for podiatrists due to a high standard error, as noted by Jobs and Skills Australia . Therefore, the award rates are the most authoritative public figures for the minimum pay floor.

What About Negotiated Salaries?

Many podiatrists earn above the award rate, especially those with experience, specialisations, or in private practice. The award is a floor, not a ceiling. Your actual salary may be higher based on your skills, location, and employer. However, for a reliable baseline, the award rates are the only legally enforceable minimums.

Superannuation and Total Package

Remember that the award rates are base pay. Your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions (12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026) into a complying super fund. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional cost to the employer. So a first‑year podiatrist on $34.44/h costs the employer about $38.57/h including super.

Summary

Legal minimum for award‑covered podiatrists: $34.44/h (1st year) to $44.46/h (7th year+).
National minimum wage backstop: $26.44/h (only if award‑free).
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.
Casual loading: 25% added to the hourly rate.
Enterprise agreements: Can set higher rates but not lower.

Use this guide to check your pay. If you suspect you are being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

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