What is the typical speech pathologist salary in Australia?

There is no single typical figure because pay depends on experience, location, and employer. The legal minimum under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award for a new graduate with a bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) is $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour). With 7+ years at that level it rises to $1,689.50 per week ($44.46 per hour). Many speech pathologists earn above these award rates through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The ABS reports average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026) across all occupations, but speech pathology-specific averages are not published by the ABS.

Does the speech pathologist salary include superannuation?

No. The minimum award rates shown are base pay before super. Employers must pay an additional 12% superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). For example, on the Level 7 first-year weekly rate of $1,308.80, the employer would contribute an extra $157.06 into a super fund. Super is not part of the salary you take home; it is a separate retirement contribution.

How do I know which award rate applies to me as a speech pathologist?

Most speech pathologists in private practice, hospitals, or community health are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). Your classification depends on your qualification (AQF level) and years of experience in the profession. For example, a bachelor’s degree is AQF Level 7, a master’s degree is typically Level 8 or 9. The award sets minimums; your employer may pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract. Check your pay slip against the award rates published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but award-covered workers must receive at least the award rate.

Speech Pathologist Salary Australia: Award Minimums, Tax, and Super in 2026–27

The minimum pay for a speech pathologist under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $1,308.80 per week for an entry-level AQF Level 7 graduate to over $1,755 for a Level 9 with 7+ years, before super.

Speech Pathologist Salary Australia: What the Award Says

When researching a speech pathologist salary Australia, the first place to look is the legal minimum set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This award covers most speech pathologists working in private practice, hospitals, community health, and disability services. The Fair Work Commission updates award rates each year; the figures below reflect the 1 October 2026 changes (from the Annual Wage Review 2026).

Minimum Rates by Qualification and Experience

Speech pathologists are classified as Health Professional employees under Schedule B of the award. The minimum weekly pay depends on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level of your degree and your years of experience at that level.

AQF Level	Typical qualification	1st year	2nd–3rd year	4th–6th year	7th year+
Level 7	Bachelor’s degree	$1,308.80	$1,409.00	$1,565.30	$1,689.50
Level 8	Honours or graduate diploma	$1,337.10	$1,444.90	$1,584.90	$1,721.40
Level 9	Master’s degree	$1,444.90	$1,545.20	$1,659.30	$1,755.00

These are full-time weekly rates for 38 ordinary hours. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate but work fewer hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate (e.g., Level 7 first-year casual rate is $43.05 per hour).

How the Weekly Packet Breaks Down

Your take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, a speech pathologist earning the Level 7 first-year rate of $1,308.80 per week ($68,057.60 annualised) would pay approximately:

Income tax (using 2026–27 rates with full tax-free threshold): about $12,000–$13,000
Medicare levy (2% once income exceeds $30,000): about $1,361
Net weekly pay after tax and Medicare: roughly $1,040–$1,060 (depending on exact tax offsets)

Superannuation is an extra 12% paid by the employer on top of the base salary. It does not appear in your bank account but is a compulsory retirement contribution.

Award vs. Market Rates

The award is a floor, not a ceiling. Many speech pathologists earn above the minimum, especially in private practice or through enterprise agreements. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), but that figure covers all occupations. Speech pathology-specific averages are not published by the ABS. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) publishes aggregate salary data by occupation in its taxation statistics, but those figures lag by several years and are not a reliable current benchmark.

If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates. Always check your pay against the award first. For more on how pay floors work, see our Rate tables and How the figures work guides.

What If You Are Award-Free?

If a speech pathologist is not covered by any modern award (rare in this field), the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). Casual employees get $33.05 per hour. However, the award almost always provides a higher minimum, so award-free status is unlikely for speech pathologists.

Superannuation on Top

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. On the Level 7 first-year rate of $1,308.80 per week, the employer must contribute an extra $157.06 per week into a super fund. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional cost to the employer.

Key Takeaways

The legal minimum for a speech pathologist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
Entry-level (AQF Level 7, first year) minimum is $1,308.80 per week ($34.44 per hour).
With experience and higher qualifications, the minimum rises to over $1,755 per week.
Super is 12% on top. Tax and Medicare reduce take-home pay.
Actual salaries can be higher; the award is only the floor.

For a full list of award classifications, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guides. This site provides independent information; always confirm your specific award coverage with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.