Osteopath salary: award minimum rates and what the data shows

Osteopath salary: what the award says

If you are an osteopath in Australia or employ one, the legal minimum pay comes from the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces. This award covers most osteopaths working in private practice, clinics, or hospitals. The rates in this award were updated on 1 October 2026 following the Annual Wage Review.

Osteopaths typically hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which corresponds to AQF Level 7 or higher. Under the award, the minimum weekly rate for a full‑time osteopath at AQF Level 7 is:

• 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 and over: $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour)

These rates apply before tax and before superannuation. The super guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% on top of ordinary time earnings into a complying super fund.

Casual and part‑time osteopaths

Casual osteopaths receive a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For example, a first‑year Level 7 casual would earn $43.05 per hour ($34.44 × 1.25). Part‑time employees are paid the same hourly rate as full‑time employees but work fewer hours.

Higher classifications

Osteopaths with postgraduate qualifications (AQF Level 8 or 9) or those in supervisory roles (Level 2 and above) have higher minimum rates. For instance, a Level 2.1 health professional earns at least $1,945.40 per week ($51.19 per hour).

What the data says about typical osteopath salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a median or average salary specifically for osteopaths. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that median weekly earnings figures are not produced for 6‑digit occupations like osteopath (ANZSCO 252112). The most recent data from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) covers only broader groups.

However, the ABS Census of Population and Housing (2021) gives some context: osteopaths had a median age of 35, 55% were female, and 48% worked full‑time. Full‑time osteopaths averaged 41 hours per week. These figures are now several years old and do not reflect current pay.

For a rough comparison, the ABS May 2026 estimate of full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all occupations was $2,083.70 per week. Osteopaths with several years of experience under the award would earn below that average, while those in senior roles or with enterprise agreements may earn more.

Legal minimum vs. award rate vs. negotiated salary

It is important to distinguish between different pay concepts:

• National minimum wage: Set by the Fair Work Commission at $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. This is the absolute floor for award‑free employees. Osteopaths are not award‑free, so this does not apply to them.
• Award minimum: The Health Professionals Award sets a higher floor, as shown above. An employer cannot pay less than the award rate, even if the employee agrees.
• Enterprise agreement: A registered agreement can replace the award with different rates, but the overall package must be better for employees. Many larger clinics or hospital groups have such agreements.
• Negotiated salary: Above the award or agreement rate, an osteopath and employer can agree on a higher salary. This is common for experienced practitioners.

Superannuation and other entitlements

All pay discussions should include super. The super guarantee is 12% (from 2026–27) and is paid on top of ordinary time earnings. Award rates also include penalty rates for evening, weekend, or public holiday work, and overtime for hours beyond 38 per week.

How to check your pay

If you are unsure which pay rate applies, start by identifying your award classification. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help. You can also consult Which minimum wage applies to see if you are in the national system. For detailed rate tables, see Rate tables.

Remember that the award minimum is just the starting point. Your actual osteopath salary may be higher due to experience, qualifications, or an enterprise agreement. Always keep records of your pay slips and super contributions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the osteopath salary the same as the national minimum wage?

No. Osteopaths are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates well above the national minimum wage. For example, a Level 7 (AQF 7) osteopath in their first year earns at least $34.44 per hour, compared to the national minimum of $26.44.

Does the ABS publish a median osteopath salary?

The ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for the specific 6‑digit occupation of osteopath (ANZSCO 252112). Jobs and Skills Australia notes that median earnings figures are not produced for 6‑digit occupations. Broader data for chiropractors and osteopaths combined may be available, but not for osteopaths alone.

Can an osteopath be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award minimum is the legal floor. However, an enterprise agreement registered with the Fair Work Commission can set different rates, provided they are not less than the award overall. Juniors, apprentices, and employees with a disability may be paid less under specific award provisions.

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