Physiotherapy Salary in Australia: Award Minimums and Pay Floors Explained

Understanding the physiotherapy salary floor

When researching a physiotherapy salary in Australia, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. The most reliable starting point is the minimum pay floor set by the Fair Work Commission’s modern award system.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage vs award rates

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week). This applies to award‑free employees. However, most physiotherapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which sets higher minimum rates.

Under that award, a physiotherapist with a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in their first year must be paid at least $34.44 per hour ($1,308.80 per week). The rate rises with experience: $37.08/h in the 2nd–3rd year, $41.19/h in the 4th–6th year, and $44.46/h after seven years. Physiotherapists with a master’s degree (AQF Level 9) start at $38.02/h and progress to $46.18/h. These are minimums – actual salaries are often higher.

Award coverage and exceptions

The Health Professionals Award covers physiotherapists working in private medical, dental, pathology, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic practices. It does not cover employees in hospitals, hospices, or medical imaging practices – those may be covered by other awards or enterprise agreements. Public sector physiotherapists in some states may be under state awards. Always check which award applies to your workplace.

How superannuation fits in

All minimum rates quoted are base rates. Employers must pay an additional 12% superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. For a physiotherapist on $34.44/h, that adds about $4.13/h to the total employment cost.

Beyond the award: enterprise agreements and individual contracts

An enterprise agreement can set different pay rates, but they must pass the “better off overall test” – meaning the total package must be no less favourable than the award. Individual contracts cannot undercut the award minimum. If you are covered by an agreement, check its rates; they may be higher than the award.

What about survey averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes average weekly earnings for all full‑time adults ($2,083.70 in May 2026), but that figure covers all occupations. No specific ABS median for physiotherapy is publicly available from the search results. Private surveys or job advertisements may show higher figures, but those are not legal minimums. For a reliable floor, always refer to the award.

Casual and part‑time rates

Casual physiotherapists receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 7 first‑year physiotherapist, that means at least $43.05 per hour. Part‑time employees are paid the same hourly rate as full‑time, with pro‑rated entitlements.

Juniors, apprentices, and trainees

Junior physiotherapists (under 21) are paid a percentage of the adult rate under the award. Apprentices and trainees have separate schedules. Award‑free juniors follow the national minimum percentages (e.g., under 17: 50% of $26.44 = $13.22/h).

Key takeaway

The physiotherapy salary floor is set by the Health Professionals Award, not the national minimum wage. A graduate physiotherapist must earn at least $34.44/h, and experienced physiotherapists can expect higher minimums. Always check your classification and any applicable enterprise agreement.

For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide and the Rate tables for award classifications. If you need help understanding how the figures are compiled, visit How the figures work.