Speech Therapist Salary: Award Minimums and What You Can Expect
The minimum speech therapist salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 ranges from $34.44 per hour for a Level 1 (AQF7) first-year employee to $44.46 per hour at Level 1 seventh year, with higher levels available.
Speech Therapist Salary: Understanding the Pay Floor
If you're researching a speech therapist salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that there is no single figure. Pay depends on your qualification level, years of experience, employer, and whether you're covered by a modern award, enterprise agreement, or individual contract. This guide explains the legal minimums and how they compare with typical earnings, using the most current public data from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission.
Legal Minimum vs. Award Rate vs. Negotiated Salary
It's important to separate three concepts:
- National minimum wage: $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies to award-free employees. Most speech therapists are covered by an award, so this is rarely their actual floor.
- Award minimum rate: The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets specific rates for health professional employees, including speech therapists. These are higher than the national minimum.
- Negotiated salary: Many speech therapists earn above the award due to enterprise agreements, market conditions, or individual bargaining.
Award Rates for Speech Therapists
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a speech therapist is classified as a Health Professional employee. The award uses AQF levels and years of experience. A speech therapist typically holds a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) and starts at Level 1. The minimum weekly and hourly rates from 1 October 2026 are:
| Classification | Weekly rate | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (AQF7) – 1st year | $1,308.80 | $34.44 |
| Level 1 (AQF7) – 2nd–3rd year | $1,409.00 | $37.08 |
| Level 1 (AQF7) – 4th–6th year | $1,565.30 | $41.19 |
| Level 1 (AQF7) – 7th year+ | $1,689.50 | $44.46 |
Higher classifications (Level 2, 3, 4) are available for more senior or specialised roles, with Level 4 paying $2,499.10 per week ($65.77/h). These rates are the legal minimum – your employer cannot pay less, but can pay more.
What About Survey Averages?
We do not have a reliable, publicly sourced median or average speech therapist salary from the Australian Bureau of Statistics or the ATO specific to this occupation. The ABS publishes average weekly earnings for all employees ($1,579.20 as of May 2026) and for full-time adults ($2,083.70), but these are not occupation-specific. Without a direct survey, we cannot report a typical speech therapist salary. If you see figures online, check whether they come from a reputable source like the ABS or a professional association.
Superannuation and Tax: The Weekly Packet
When discussing a speech therapist salary, remember that super is an employer payment on top. For a first-year Level 1 (AQF7) employee earning $1,308.80 per week, the employer must pay 12% super ($157.06) – that's $8,166.91 per year added to your total remuneration. Your take-home pay after tax and Medicare (using 2026-27 rates) would be roughly $1,080–$1,120 per week depending on your total annual earnings. The national minimum wage for award-covered employees is $1,004.90 for the national minimum, but award rates are higher.
When an Award or Agreement Can Set a Higher Rate
A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the award minimum. For example, some state public health services or private practices have agreements that pay above the award. Always check your specific employment contract and any applicable agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help you compare.
Internal Resources
- Which minimum wage applies – Determine which pay floor applies to your situation.
- Rate tables – Compare award rates across classifications.
- Guides – Guides on super, tax, and superannuation.
FAQs
What is the minimum wage for a speech therapist in Australia?
The minimum wage for a speech therapist depends on the award classification. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a Level 1 Health Professional with an AQF Level 7 (typical for speech therapists earns at least $34.44 per hour in their first year, rising to $44.46 per hour after seven years. These rates apply from 1 October 2026. Employers must also pay 12% superannuation on top.
Do speech therapists get paid more than the award rate?
Yes, many speech therapists earn above the award minimum. Enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or market demand can push salaries higher. The Fair Work Ombudsman notes that an award only sets a floor – employers and employees can negotiate higher pay. For example, some public health or private practice roles offer salaries well above the award rates.
How does superannuation affect a speech therapist's total remuneration?
Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. So if your base salary is $68,057.60 per year (based on $34.44/h for 38 hours), your employer must add at least $8,166.91 in super, making total remuneration about $76,224.51. This is separate from your take-home pay.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum wage for a speech therapist in Australia?
The minimum wage for a speech therapist depends on the award classification. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a Level 1 Health Professional with an AQF Level 7 qualification (typical for speech therapists) earns at least $34.44 per hour in their first year, rising to $44.46 per hour after seven years. These rates apply from 1 October 2026. Employers must also pay 12% superannuation on top.
Do speech therapists get paid more than the award rate?
Yes, many speech therapists earn above the award minimum. Enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or market demand can push salaries higher. The Fair Work Ombudsman notes that an award only sets a floor – employers and employees can negotiate higher pay. For example, some public health or private practice roles offer salaries well above the award rates.
How does superannuation affect a speech therapist's total remuneration?
Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. So if your base salary is $68,057.60 per year (based on $34.44/h for 38 hours), your employer must add at least $8,166.91 in super, making total remuneration about $76,224.51. This is separate from your take-home pay.
Related guides
- Occupational Therapist Salary: Award Minimums, Tax, and Super in 2026
The minimum occupational therapist salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award ranges from $34.44 per hour for a Level 1 graduate to $65.77 per hour for Level 4, with superannuation paid on top.
- Speech Pathologist Salary: Award Minimum Rates and What They Mean
The minimum pay floor for a speech pathologist salary under the Health Professionals Award is at least $34.44 per hour for a Level 1 AQF7 first-year employee, plus 12% super.
- Speech Pathology Salary Guide 2026: Award Minimums and What You Should Know
The legal minimum for a speech pathologist is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with a Level 1 (AQF 7) graduate starting at $34.44 per hour, plus 12% superannuation on top.
- Oral health therapist salary: award minimums and how they compare
The minimum oral health therapist salary is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with rates from $34.44 per hour for a Level 7 first-year employee, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.