What does an allied health assistant do?

Allied health assistants work under the direction of allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech pathologists) to support patient care. Duties may include preparing equipment, assisting with exercises, administrative tasks, and maintaining therapy spaces. Their classification under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award depends on the level of skill and responsibility.

How is my allied health assistant pay determined?

Your minimum pay is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 if you are covered. The award classifies support services employees from Level 1 to Level 9. Most allied health assistants start at Level 1 or Level 2. Your employer may pay above the award rate, and an enterprise agreement can also set higher rates. Always check your classification and any applicable agreement.

Do I get casual loading as an allied health assistant?

Yes, if you are a casual employee, you must be paid a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 allied health assistant, that means a casual rate of $33.71 per hour ($26.97 x 1.25). This loading is in lieu of paid leave entitlements. Permanent part-time or full-time employees do not receive the loading but get paid leave.

Allied health assistant salary: award minimums and what they mean for your pay packet

The award minimum for a full-time adult allied health assistant is $26.97 per hour, or $1,024.70 per week, which is above the national minimum wage.

Allied health assistant salary: the legal minimum

If you work as an allied health assistant in Australia, your pay is most likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award sets minimum hourly and weekly rates for support services employees, which includes allied health assistants. The rates are updated each year following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review. From the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026, the minimum for a full-time adult allied health assistant at Level 1 is $26.97 per hour, or $1,024.70 per week (based on a 38‑hour week).

This award rate is slightly above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week) that applies from 1 July 2026. Because the award covers most allied health assistants, the award rate is your legal floor – your employer cannot pay you less than that, unless you are a junior, apprentice, or trainee where lower percentages apply.

Award coverage and classification

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award covers employees in health services who are not health professionals themselves. Allied health assistants typically fall under Support Services classifications. The award lists nine levels, with Level 1 being the entry point for assistants with minimal experience. Higher levels (Level 2, 3, etc.) require more skill or responsibility and attract higher minimum rates. For example, a Level 2 assistant earns $28.03 per hour, and a Level 3 earns $29.11 per hour .

Your classification depends on the tasks you perform and any qualifications you hold. If you are unsure which level applies, check your position description or ask your employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on classification, but ultimately the award’s definitions determine your correct rate.

How the award rate compares with the national minimum

The national minimum wage (for award‑free employees) is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. However, most allied health assistants are covered by the award, so the award rate is the relevant minimum. The award’s lowest ongoing classification (Level 1) is $26.97 – 53 cents above the national minimum. This difference reflects the specific skills and duties of health support work.

If you are a junior (under 21), your pay is a percentage of the adult rate. For example, a 19‑year‑old allied health assistant at Level 1 would receive 80% of $26.97, which is $21.58 per hour. Apprentices and trainees have their own percentage scales under the award.

Superannuation and other entitlements

On top of your hourly or weekly pay, your employer must contribute superannuation to a complying fund. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. So for a full‑time allied health assistant earning $1,024.70 per week, the employer adds $122.96 in super. This is not deducted from your pay – it is an extra cost to the employer.

Other entitlements include leave (annual, personal, long service), public holiday penalties, and overtime. The award specifies penalty rates for weekend and shift work. For instance, Saturday work at Level 1 is paid at $40.46 per hour (150% of the ordinary rate), and Sunday at the same rate. Public holidays attract $67.43 per hour (250%).

When a higher rate applies

The award rate is the minimum. Your actual pay may be higher if:

Your employer has an enterprise agreement that sets higher rates.
You have negotiated a individual contract above the award.
You perform duties at a higher classification level.
You receive allowances for specific tasks (e.g., handling cash, using own vehicle).

Always compare your pay to the award rate for your classification. If you are paid less, you may be entitled to back pay. The Fair Work Ombudsman can assist with enquiries.

For more detail on how minimum wages are calculated and how to use rate tables, see our Rate tables and Guides.

Tax and take‑home pay

Your gross weekly pay of $1,024.70 is before tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026‑27 income year, a resident earning this amount weekly (about $53,284 annually) would pay approximately $7,800 in income tax plus a Medicare levy of 2% (once income exceeds $30,000). After tax and Medicare, your weekly take‑home would be roughly $820. Super is not included in your take‑home pay – it goes into your fund.

Remember, these are estimates. Your actual tax depends on your total income, tax offsets, and whether you have a HELP debt or salary sacrifice arrangements.

Summary

The allied health assistant salary under the award is clearly defined: $26.97 per hour for a Level 1 adult employee. This rate is the legal minimum for most assistants. Actual earnings can be higher, but the award provides a solid baseline. Always check your classification and any applicable agreement to ensure you are paid correctly.