Allied Health Assistant Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index
See how the allied health assistant salary compares to the national line. Award rates from NSW Health and the national award, with salary index figures.
A typical allied health assistant under the NSW Health Award earns an annualised salary between $62,961 and $71,184, placing the salary index between 58 and 66, well below the national line of 100 but above the national minimum wage index of 48.
What is an allied health assistant?
An allied health assistant works under the supervision of an allied health professional—such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or speech pathologist—to support patient care. Duties can include preparing treatment areas, assisting with exercises, maintaining equipment, and administrative tasks. The role is distinct from a fully qualified allied health professional and sits at a lower pay level.
Where the pay comes from
Most allied health assistants are covered by either a state award or the national Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The national award sets minimum weekly rates for Support Services employees, with Level 1 at $1,024.70 per week (annualised $53,284, index 49). However, many public hospitals—especially in New South Wales—use the NSW Health Service Allied Health Assistants (State) Award 2025. That award provides higher figures. For example, a Level 1 entry employee earns $1,210.79 per week in 2025 ($62,961 annualised, index 58). By the third year of Level 3, the rate rises to $1,368.94 per week ($71,185 annualised, index 66). These are the minimums under that award; actual pay can be higher with experience or enterprise agreements.
How the salary index applies
The salary index compares yearly gross pay to the national line of 100, which equals $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). An allied health assistant on the NSW award Level 1 entry sits at index 58—meaning they earn 58% of the national line. At Level 3 third year, the index rises to 66. For comparison, the national minimum wage index is 48, and the health care and social assistance industry average index is 98. So an allied health assistant is above the minimum but well below the industry average, which includes higher-paid professionals like nurses and allied health professionals.
State and industry context
Pay varies by state. The states page shows that NSW has an index of 101, Victoria 98, and Western Australia 107. But those are overall averages; allied health assistant salaries are lower. In NSW, the state award applies to public health employees, while in other states, the national award or a local enterprise agreement may set the rate. The industries page lists health care and social assistance at index 98, but that includes doctors, nurses, and therapists. Allied health assistants are at the lower end of that industry.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of the salary. For a $65,000 salary, that adds $7,800 into super. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, tax-free threshold) is nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, plus a 2% Medicare levy. A take-home estimate for $65,000 is about $52,000 after tax and Medicare.
How to find your rate
If you are an allied health assistant, check your employment contract or award. The pay guides on this site explain how to read award classifications. The national award minimums are updated each year after the Annual Wage Review. The NSW award has a 4% increase from 1 July 2025 and another 4% from 1 July 2026. Always confirm with your employer or union.
Summary
The allied health assistant salary typically falls between index 49 to 66, depending on award and level. It is a solid entry-level health role but sits below the national average. Use the topics page to explore related roles like physiotherapy assistant or occupational therapy assistant.
Questions people ask
What is the average salary for an allied health assistant in Australia?
There is no single average because pay depends on the award, employer, and location. Under the NSW Health Award, a Level 1 entry-level allied health assistant earns about $62,961 per year (index 58). Under the national Health Professionals and Support Services Award, the minimum is about $53,284 (index 49). Many allied health assistants in public hospitals earn between $55,000 and $75,000, which corresponds to a salary index of 51 to 69.
How does an allied health assistant salary compare to the national average?
The national line is 100, which equals $108,352 per year. Allied health assistant salaries typically sit well below that. The NSW Health Award rates give an index of 58 to 66, meaning they earn about 58% to 66% of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. That is above the national minimum wage index of 48 but below the health care and social assistance industry average of 98.
What factors influence allied health assistant pay?
Key factors include the applicable award or enterprise agreement, classification level (1 to 3), years of experience, and location. Public sector roles in NSW, ACT, or WA tend to pay more than the national award minimum. Casual or part-time work may include loadings. Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026. After tax and Medicare levy, a resident earning $65,000 would take home roughly $52,000–$53,000.