What is the minimum wage for a dietitian in Australia?

The minimum wage for a dietitian depends on whether they are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Under that award, a dietitian with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) must be paid at least $34.44 per hour in their first year, rising to $44.46 per hour after seven years. If the dietitian is award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but this is rare as most dietitians are covered by the award.

Do dietitians receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund for employees aged 18 and over (or under 18 if working more than 30 hours per week). This is on top of the agreed salary or award rate. For example, a dietitian earning $34.44 per hour would also receive $4.13 per hour in super contributions.

Can a dietitian be paid less than the award rate?

No, unless a registered enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement provides a higher or equivalent overall package. The award rate is the legal minimum for award-covered employees. Juniors, apprentices, or trainees may be paid a percentage of the adult rate, but for qualified dietitians the full adult rate applies. Award-free dietitians must be paid at least the national minimum wage.

Dietitian Salary Guide: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Rates

The legal minimum for a dietitian under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $34.44 per hour (Level 1, 1st year) to $44.46 per hour (Level 1, 7th year+), plus 12% superannuation.

Dietitian Salary: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Rates

When researching a dietitian salary, the first thing to know is which pay floor applies. Most dietitians in Australia are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (the Award), which sets minimum rates far above the national minimum wage. This guide explains the legal minimums, how they compare to award-free rates, and what superannuation is paid on top.

Who is covered by the Award?

The Award covers employers in the health industry and their employees in classifications listed in Schedule A. Dietitians typically fall under Health Professional employee—Level 1 with an AQF Level 7 qualification (a bachelor degree). The Award also has higher levels for experienced or senior dietitians. If you work in a private hospital, community health centre, or similar setting, you are almost certainly covered. If you are self-employed or work under a state public sector award, different rules may apply.

Minimum rates under the Award

For a dietitian at Level 1, the minimum weekly and hourly rates (from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026) are:

1st year: $1,308.80 per week / $34.44 per hour
2nd–3rd year: $1,409.00 per week / $37.08 per hour
4th–6th year: $1,565.30 per week / $41.19 per hour
7th year+: $1,689.50 per week / $44.46 per hour

These rates are for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time and casual employees receive the same hourly rate plus applicable loadings (casual loading is 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate).

How does this compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). The Award minimum for a dietitian is significantly higher—even a first-year dietitian earns about 30% more per hour. This is because the Award recognises the professional qualifications and skills required.

For award-free employees (rare for dietitians), the national minimum applies, but only if no modern award covers the role. Most dietitians will be covered by the Award, so the national minimum is not their floor.

Superannuation is paid on top

All employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund. This is on top of the salary or wage. For a dietitian earning the Award minimum of $34.44 per hour, the employer also pays $4.13 per hour into super. The super amount is not deducted from the employee’s pay—it is an additional cost to the employer.

What about survey averages or median earnings?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for dietitians at the six-digit ANZSCO level (251111). Jobs and Skills Australia notes that such figures are not produced for detailed occupations. Therefore, we cannot provide a reliable survey average. The Award rates are the only publicly available minimums. Actual salaries may be higher depending on experience, location, and whether an enterprise agreement or individual contract applies.

Enterprise agreements and individual contracts

An enterprise agreement registered with the Fair Work Commission can set higher rates than the Award, but cannot go below. Some public hospitals or large private employers have agreements that pay dietitians above the Award. Individual contracts can also offer more, but must still meet the Award minimum if the employee is covered.

Key takeaways

The legal minimum for a dietitian under the Award is between $34.44 and $44.46 per hour, depending on experience.
The national minimum wage ($26.44/h) is not the relevant floor for most dietitians.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of all ordinary time earnings.
No official median salary is available from the ABS for dietitians.
For more details on how minimum wages work, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and Rate tables.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered the most common questions about dietitian pay above. If you need further clarification, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations specialist. Remember, this is a guide only and not legal advice.

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