Physiologist salary guide: award rates, minimums and market data

Understanding the physiologist salary landscape in Australia

When researching a physiologist salary, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. Physiologists in Australia may work in clinical, exercise, or research settings, and their pay is often governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This guide explains the pay floors and how your rate compares.

Legal minimums: award coverage and the national minimum wage

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, most physiologists are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award covers employers in the health industry and classifies employees as either Support Services or Health Professional employees. A physiologist with a relevant university degree (e.g., bachelor of exercise and sports science) is likely to be a Health Professional employee.

If you are award-free (rare for physiologists), the national minimum wage applies. But if your role falls under the award, the award rate is the legal minimum. An enterprise agreement can also set rates, but they must pass the better off overall test.

Award rates for health professionals

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award provides minimum weekly and hourly rates for Health Professional employees based on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For example:

• AQF Level 7 (bachelor degree) – 1st year: $34.44 per hour, $1,308.80 per week
• AQF Level 7 – 4th to 6th year: $41.19 per hour, $1,565.30 per week
• AQF Level 7 – 7th year and over: $44.46 per hour, $1,689.50 per week

Higher levels (Level 2, 3, 4) have even higher minimums. For instance, Health Professional Level 2.1 is $51.19 per hour. These rates are updated annually following the Fair Work Commission’s wage review. The award also includes allowances for specific duties and qualifications.

Survey averages and market rates

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific median wage for physiologists. However, the related occupation of physiotherapist had median full-time earnings of $1,888 per week and median hourly earnings of $50 per hour in May 2025 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours). This is a guide only and does not replace the legal minimum. Actual physiologist salaries can vary widely by location, employer, and experience.

Superannuation and other entitlements

Superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% must be paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. This is an employer cost and is not deducted from your salary. For example, if your award rate is $34.44 per hour, your employer must also contribute $4.13 per hour to your super fund. Casual employees receive a 25% loading in lieu of paid leave, but the super guarantee still applies.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

Many public hospitals and larger health providers have enterprise agreements that set pay above the award. These agreements are negotiated between employers and unions and must be approved by the Fair Work Commission. If you work under such an agreement, your minimum rate is the agreement rate, which is typically higher than the award. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement.

How to find your correct rate

To determine your exact minimum wage, first confirm whether you are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. Then identify your classification level and AQF qualification. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay Calculator and the award itself contains detailed classification definitions. For award-free employees, the national minimum wage applies, but junior, apprentice, or supported wage rates may be lower.

For more information, see our guides on Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Key takeaways

• The legal minimum for a physiologist under the Health Professionals Award is at least $34.44 per hour (Level 1, AQF7, first year).
• The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only if you are award-free.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your salary.
• Survey averages for related professions like physiotherapy suggest median earnings around $50 per hour, but your actual pay depends on your classification and agreement.
• Always verify your award coverage and classification to ensure you are receiving at least the legal minimum.

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