Audiologist salary: what to expect when reading a job ad

Reading a job ad for an audiologist

When you see a job ad for an audiologist, the salary figure is often the first thing you check. But what does that number really mean? Is it a fair offer? How does it compare to what other audiologists earn? This article explains how to use the Salary Index to make sense of an audiologist salary, using publicly available data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and Jobs and Skills Australia.

What the award says

Most audiologists in Australia are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. This award sets minimum weekly wages for different classification levels. For example, a Level 1 audiologist (entry-level) earns at least $1,024.70 per week, which annualises to about $53,284. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, that gives an index of 49.2 — just above the national minimum wage index of 48.2.

A more experienced audiologist classified at Health Professional Level 1 with an AQF5 qualification and several years of experience earns more. The award minimum for a first-year AQF5 health professional is $1,232.70 per week (index 59), rising to $1,541.30 per week (index 74) after seven years. These are minimums; many employers pay above award, especially in private practice or public hospitals.

The award rates were updated from 1 October 2026 following the Fair Work Commission's gender undervaluation review, which increased rates for health professional employees. Always check the current award when reading a job ad.

What the data shows

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that in 2021 there were 2,600 audiologists employed in Australia. The workforce is 77% female, with a median age of 37. About 63% work full-time, and the average full-time hours are 40 per week — slightly below the all-occupations average of 44 hours. The main industries are Health Care and Social Assistance (27.3%) and Manufacturing.

Crucially, the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for audiologists. This means we cannot give a single "average" audiologist salary. Instead, we rely on award minimums and the broader context of the health care industry, which has an index of 97.8 — slightly below the national line.

Comparing offers with the Salary Index

The Salary Index helps you compare job offers across different states and industries. For example, an audiologist job in Western Australia (state index 106.9) might pay more than one in Tasmania (state index 88.6), even if the role is similar. If a job ad offers $75,000 per year, that's an index of 69 — below the health care industry average of 97.8. But if the offer is $90,000, the index rises to 83, which is more competitive.

To calculate the index for any salary: divide the annual gross salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For a part-time role, use the full-time equivalent. Remember that the index is a benchmark, not a guarantee. A job with a lower index might still be attractive if it offers better conditions, more super, or a location you prefer.

Take-home pay and super

When reading a job ad, look for whether the salary includes superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, so an advertised salary of $80,000 plus super means total remuneration of $89,600. The Salary Index uses gross ordinary-time earnings before super and tax.

For a resident audiologist on $80,000 (index 74), the estimated take-home pay after tax and Medicare levy (2026-27 rates) is about $62,600 per year, or $1,204 per week. This assumes the tax-free threshold and no HELP debt or salary sacrifice. If you have a HELP loan, expect an extra 1% to 2% deducted.

What to look for in a job ad

• Classification level: Does the ad mention a level under the Health Professionals award? If not, ask.
• Experience required: More experience usually means a higher classification and higher minimum pay.
• Location: State indices vary; an offer in the ACT (index 109.9) should generally be higher than one in Tasmania (88.6).
• Hours: Part-time roles should be compared on a full-time equivalent basis.
• Super: Confirm whether the quoted salary includes or excludes super.

The bottom line

An audiologist salary in Australia can range from award minimums around $53,000 (index 49) to well over $100,000 (index 92+) for experienced clinicians in private practice or management roles. Without a published median, the best approach is to compare any offer against the award minimums and the industry benchmark. Use the Salary Index, check pay guides, and consider how the index works to make an informed decision.

For more context, explore industries like health care and social assistance, or see how states compare. If you're evaluating multiple offers, the index gives you a common language to discuss pay.