Hypnotherapist salary Australia: legal minimums and what you can expect

Hypnotherapist salary Australia: what you need to know

If you are searching for a hypnotherapist salary Australia figure, you may be disappointed to learn that there is no single official rate. Unlike registered health professions such as psychology or nursing, hypnotherapy is not covered by a dedicated modern award. This means the legal pay floor depends on your employment arrangement.

The legal minimum: National Minimum Wage

For an adult employee who is award‑free and not covered by an enterprise agreement, the minimum is set by the Fair Work Commission. From 1 July 2026 the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38‑hour week). Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the minimum to $33.05 per hour. This is the absolute floor – you cannot be paid less unless a junior, apprentice, or introductory rate applies.

Remember that superannuation (the super guarantee) is an employer payment on top of this rate. From 1 July 2026 the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So an employer’s total cost for an award‑free adult hypnotherapist is at least $26.44 × 1.12 = $29.61 per hour.

Award coverage: is there a relevant award?

Hypnotherapists may sometimes be covered by the Miscellaneous Award 2020 if no other award applies and the employer is in the national system. That award contains minimum rates that are at least the National Minimum Wage, plus allowances and penalty rates. Alternatively, if you work in a clinic that also employs health professionals (e.g., psychologists), the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 might apply – but only if your duties fall within its classifications. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help you check, but you must read the award’s coverage clause carefully.

If a modern award covers you, the minimum rate in that award overrides the National Minimum Wage. Award rates are often higher, especially after the 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026. However, introductory rates (limited to the first six months) can be as low as $25.74 per hour.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a separate earnings figure for hypnotherapists. No reliable industry survey exists. Therefore, any “average hypnotherapist salary” you see online is likely a guess or a small sample. Your actual pay will depend on whether you are an employee or self‑employed, your experience, location, and the type of practice.

Self‑employed hypnotherapists set their own fees. They must cover their own super, insurance, rent, and marketing. Employee hypnotherapists may negotiate a salary above the minimum, especially if they bring a client base or have advanced qualifications. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates.

How to check your pay

1. Identify your award – Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s resources or the Modern Awards Pay Database from the Fair Work Commission.
2. Find your classification – If an award applies, look up the classification that matches your duties.
3. Compare with the National Minimum Wage – If no award applies, the National Minimum Wage is your floor.
4. Add super – Ensure your employer pays 12% super on top of your ordinary time earnings.

For more detail on how minimum wages work, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and Rate tables.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is there a specific award for hypnotherapists in Australia? A: No. Hypnotherapy is not a regulated health profession, and no modern award specifically covers hypnotherapists. If you are an employee, your employer may be covered by the Miscellaneous Award 2020 (if no other award applies) or a professional services award. In most cases, award-free employees are entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

Q: What is the minimum wage for a hypnotherapist in Australia? A: From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for adult employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour. Junior, apprentice, or introductory rates may be lower. Always check if a modern award or enterprise agreement applies, as it may set a higher rate.

Q: Do hypnotherapists receive superannuation? A: Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee (currently 12%) on top of ordinary time earnings for employees. This applies even if the employee is paid the National Minimum Wage. Sole traders or contractors are responsible for their own super contributions.

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