Radiation therapist salary: award rates and the national minimum wage

Radiation therapist salary: award rates and the national minimum wage

If you are looking up a radiation therapist salary, the first thing to understand is that the legal minimum pay depends on which award or enterprise agreement covers your job. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) is a backstop, but most radiation therapists are covered by a modern award or a state‑specific agreement that sets a higher floor. This guide explains how to separate the legal minimum from award rates and negotiated salaries, and how superannuation (12% on top) fits in.

Understanding the pay floor for radiation therapists

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. However, this national minimum only applies if you are award‑free and not covered by an enterprise agreement. Most radiation therapists in private hospitals, clinics, or public health services are covered by an award or agreement that requires a higher rate.

Award rates from the Health Professionals and Support Services Award

The Fair Work Ombudsman administers the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], which covers many health professionals including radiation therapists in the private sector. From 1 October 2026, the minimum hourly rates for a Health Professional employee at Level 1 are:

• AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) 1st year: $34.44 per hour
• AQF Level 7 2nd–3rd year: $37.08 per hour
• AQF Level 7 4th–6th year: $41.19 per hour
• AQF Level 7 7th year+: $44.46 per hour

Higher levels (Level 2, 3, 4) have higher minimums, up to $65.77 per hour for Level 4. These are the legal minimums under the award; an employer can pay more, but not less. The award also includes penalty rates, allowances, and overtime provisions. You can check the full pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website .

Tasmanian public sector agreement

In Tasmania, radiation therapists employed by the Department of Health are covered by the Radiation Therapists Agreement 2025, which sets higher rates than the national award. According to the Tasmanian Department of Health , the annual salaries (full‑time equivalent) are:

• Level A Year 1: $76,190 (approx. $38.56 per hour)
• Level 1 Year 2: $92,746 (approx. $46.95 per hour)
• Level 2 Year 1: $116,531 (approx. $59.00 per hour)
• Level 3 Year 2: $139,014 (approx. $70.38 per hour)
• Level 4b Year 2: $157,715 (approx. $79.86 per hour)
• Level 5 Year 1: $174,317 (approx. $88.25 per hour)
• Level 6 Year 1: $193,714 (approx. $98.07 per hour)

These rates are effective from 24 May 2026 and include the 12% superannuation guarantee as an employer contribution on top. The agreement also provides for annual increments and higher rates for postgraduate qualifications.

How to check your own rate

If you are employed in the private sector, start by identifying whether the Health Professionals and Support Services Award applies. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or check your enterprise agreement. If you work in a state public health system, look for the relevant state award or agreement (e.g., the Tasmanian Radiation Therapists Agreement). For award‑free employees, the national minimum wage is the floor.

For more guidance, see our Which minimum wage applies page or browse Rate tables for other occupations.

FAQs

What is the legal minimum pay for a radiation therapist?

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), but most radiation therapists are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum. For example, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award has a minimum hourly rate of $34.44 for a Level 1 (AQF7) employee. The Tasmanian public sector Radiation Therapists Agreement 2025 starts at $76,190 per year (about $38.56 per hour). Always check the applicable award or agreement.

Does superannuation apply to a radiation therapist salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings) on top of the salary. This is not included in the hourly or weekly rates shown in awards or agreements.

How do I find the correct award rate for my radiation therapist job?

Start by checking if you are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (for many private‑sector roles) or a state public sector agreement like the Tasmanian Radiation Therapists Agreement 2025. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or your employer’s enterprise agreement. If you are award‑free, the national minimum wage applies.

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