What is the minimum wage for a speech pathologist under the Health Professionals Award?

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum rates for speech pathologists classified as Health Professional employees. For a Level 1 employee with a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year, the minimum is $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week from 1 October 2026. Rates increase with years of experience and higher qualification levels.

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

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. The award rate for a speech pathologist is significantly higher, reflecting the professional qualifications required. Award-free employees must receive at least the national minimum, but most speech pathologists are covered by the award which sets a higher floor.

Do speech pathologists receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Under the award, employers must make superannuation contributions to avoid the superannuation guarantee charge. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is paid on top of the minimum hourly or weekly rate.

Speeth Pathologist Salary: Award Minimums and What to Expect in 2026-27

The minimum award rate for a speech pathologist (Health Professional Level 1, AQF 7, 1st year) is $34.44 per hour or $1,308.80 per week from 1 October 2026.

Understanding the speeth pathologist salary under the Health Professionals Award

If you are researching a speeth pathologist salary in Australia, the starting point is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award covers most speech pathologists working in private practice, hospitals, and community health. The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on their application.

The legal minimum: award rates for speech pathologists

Speech pathologists typically hold a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) or a master's degree (AQF Level 9). Under the award, they are classified as Health Professional employees. The minimum rates depend on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience in the profession at Level 1.

For a Health Professional Level 1, AQF Level 7, 1st year, the minimum from 1 October 2026 is:

$34.44 per hour
$1,308.80 per week (38 hours)

These rates are from the Fair Work Commission's modern award and the Fair Work Ombudsman's award summary .

With experience, the rate increases. For example, a Level 1 AQF 7 employee in their 4th to 6th year earns $41.19 per hour, and after 7 years $44.46 per hour. Higher AQF levels (e.g., a master's degree at Level 9) also attract higher minimums.

How the award rate compares to the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. This is the absolute floor for award-free employees. However, the award rate for speech pathologists is well above that, reflecting the professional nature of the work. The award also includes casual loadings (25% on top of the hourly rate) and penalty rates for weekend or evening work.

Beyond the award: survey averages and negotiated salaries

The award sets a minimum, but actual speeth pathologist salary figures are often higher. Many speech pathologists are employed under enterprise agreements that provide above-award pay, or they negotiate individual contracts. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026, but this is a broad measure across all occupations. Speech pathologists with specialised skills or in high-demand areas may earn significantly more than the award minimum.

Superannuation: an extra payment on top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if you earn the award minimum of $34.44 per hour, your employer must also pay $4.13 per hour into your super fund. This is not deducted from your wage.

Other considerations

Junior rates: If a speech pathologist is under 21, the award may allow a percentage of the adult rate, but most professionals enter the field after completing a degree, so junior rates are uncommon.
Apprentices and trainees: The award has specific rates for apprentices, but speech pathology is not typically an apprenticeship.
Award-free employees: If you are not covered by the award (e.g., some state public sector roles), the national minimum wage applies, but your employer may still pay above that.

For more details on how minimum wages are calculated, see our Rate tables and Guides.

Summary

The legal minimum for a speech pathologist under the Health Professionals Award is $34.44 per hour for a new graduate with a bachelor's degree. This is a floor, not a ceiling. Actual salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer. Always check your award or enterprise agreement for the exact rate that applies to you.