Dietitian Salary Australia: Award Rates and Minimum Pay Explained

Dietitian Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor

When searching for a dietitian salary australia, the first thing to know is which legal minimum applies. Dietitians are typically covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets minimum rates far above the national minimum wage. This guide explains the award rates, how they compare to the national minimum, and what factors can push your salary higher.

Award Coverage for Dietitians

The Fair Work Ombudsman administers the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. It covers employers in the health industry and their employees in the classifications listed in Schedule A, which includes dietitians under the Health Professional employee definitions. If you work as a dietitian in a hospital, clinic, or community health service, you are almost certainly covered by this award. If you are self-employed or work for an employer not in the health industry (e.g., a food manufacturer), you may be award-free and entitled only to the national minimum wage.

Minimum Rates Under the Award

The award divides Health Professional employees into levels based on qualifications (AQF level) and years of experience. For a dietitian with a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 5), the minimum hourly rates from 1 October 2026 are:

• 1st year: $32.44 per hour ($1,232.70 per week)
• 2nd–3rd year: $34.44 per hour ($1,308.80 per week)
• 4th–6th year: $37.53 per hour ($1,426.00 per week)
• 7th year+: $40.56 per hour ($1,541.30 per week)

For a dietitian with a master's degree (AQF Level 6), rates start at the same $32.44 for the first year, then rise to $34.44 (2nd–3rd), $39.03 (4th–6th), and $43.67 (7th+). Higher levels (Level 2, 3, 4) apply to more senior roles, with Level 4 paying up to $65.77 per hour.

These rates are the legal minimum. Your employer must pay at least these amounts, plus superannuation of 12% on top. Many dietitians earn more through enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or classification at a higher level.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). This is the floor for award-free employees. Because the award rates for dietitians start at $32.44, award-covered dietitians are already well above the national minimum. If you are award-free, you are entitled to $26.44 per hour, but you should check whether your role is actually covered by the award.

How to Determine Your Correct Rate

To know your exact minimum, you need to identify:

1. Your AQF qualification level – usually your highest relevant degree.
2. Your years of experience at Level 1 in the profession.
3. Your classification level – most dietitians start at Level 1, but if you supervise others or have specialised skills, you may be Level 2 or higher.

Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement that sets higher rates. Always check your pay against the award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help.

Superannuation and Total Package

Remember that super is an employer payment on top of your salary. For a dietitian earning $32.44 per hour, the employer must contribute an additional 12% ($3.89) into your super fund. So the total cost to the employer is $36.33 per hour. When comparing job offers, consider the total package including super.

What About Survey Averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for dietitians at the 6-digit ANZSCO level. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median weekly earnings are not available. Therefore, any average you see online may come from private surveys or recruitment sites and should be treated with caution. The only guaranteed figures are the award minimums and the national minimum wage.

For more on which minimum applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. For detailed rate tables, visit Rate tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The award covers employers in the health industry and their employees in the listed classifications, including dietitians. However, some dietitians may be covered by an enterprise agreement or a different award if their role is more appropriately classified elsewhere. Award-free dietitians (e.g., those in private practice not in the health industry) are entitled to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

How does superannuation affect a dietitian's pay?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary time earnings. The current super guarantee rate is 12% of an employee's ordinary time earnings. For example, a dietitian earning the award minimum of $32.44 per hour would receive an additional $3.89 per hour in super, making the total cost to the employer $36.33 per hour.

Can a dietitian be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the legal minimum for covered employees. However, junior employees, apprentices, or trainees may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. Enterprise agreements can also set rates, but they must not be less than the award rate overall. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour) is the absolute floor for award-free employees.

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