Chiropractor salary: state and industry differences in Australia
Explore chiropractor salary in Australia, including state and industry differences, award coverage, and how it compares to the national salary index.
Precise median weekly earnings for chiropractors are not published by the ABS, but the health care and social assistance industry index of 97.8 and state benchmarks provide a rough guide.
Chiropractor salary in Australia: state and industry differences
When you search for a chiropractor salary in Australia, the first thing you notice is that the official data is thin. The Australian Bureau of Statistics, through Jobs and Skills Australia, reports that median weekly earnings for chiropractors are not available. That doesn’t mean we can’t get a picture – we just need to use other clues: the industry they work in, the state they’re in, and the awards that set minimum pay.
Where chiropractors fit in the national salary index
Salary Index uses a benchmark of 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, or $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2. Chiropractors are health professionals, and the industry index for Health Care and Social Assistance is 97.8 – slightly below the national line. That suggests a typical chiropractor salary might be a bit under $108,000, but it’s not a hard figure.
State differences matter
Where you practise as a chiropractor can change your earning power. The states page on Salary Index shows the state-level indices:
- New South Wales: 101.2 ($109,658 annualised)
- Victoria: 98 ($106,137)
- Queensland: 97.9 ($106,064)
- South Australia: 94.6 ($102,450)
- Western Australia: 106.9 ($115,825)
- Tasmania: 88.6 ($96,008)
- Northern Territory: 95.2 ($103,173)
- Australian Capital Territory: 109.9 ($119,090)
A chiropractor in WA or ACT could expect to earn more than one in Tasmania or SA, all else equal. But chiropractor income also depends on whether you’re an employee or run your own practice. Self-employed chiropractors may have higher gross income but also cover overheads.
Industry context: health care and social assistance
Almost all chiropractors work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry. The industries page gives that sector an index of 97.8. Compare that to Mining (154.7) or Retail Trade (75.9). Chiropractors sit near the middle of the pack, similar to Education and Training (105.5) but below Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (114.7).
Award coverage and minimum rates
Chiropractors are likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides include this award, and the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database shows that minimum rates for health professional employees increased from 1 October 2026 due to a gender undervaluation review. Award minima rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but award rates for qualified chiropractors would be higher.
Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, and the maximum contribution base is $270,830. For a chiropractor earning $100,000, that’s $12,000 in super each year.
Tax and take-home pay
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (excluding Medicare), a chiropractor earning $100,000 would pay about $24,967 in tax plus the 2% Medicare levy ($2,000). Take-home would be around $73,033. If they earn $120,000, tax is about $31,867 plus $2,400 Medicare, leaving $85,733. These are estimates ignoring HELP, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.
What the data doesn’t tell us
The ABS doesn’t publish median earnings for chiropractors because the sample is too small or the relative standard error too high. That’s common for occupations with fewer than about 10,000 workers. So any specific figure you see online is likely an estimate from job ads or surveys, not official statistics. The how the index works page explains why we use the national line as a reference instead of guessing.
Putting it together
A chiropractor salary in Australia is hard to pin down to the dollar, but the state and industry indices give a range. If you’re in WA or ACT, you’re in a higher-earning state. If you’re in Tasmania, expect less. The health care industry index of 97.8 suggests chiropractor pay is close to the national average. And remember, award rates are the floor – many chiropractors, especially those running their own clinics, earn above that.
For more context, browse the topics page or check the pay guides for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
Questions people ask
What is the typical chiropractor salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for chiropractors, so a precise typical salary is not available. Based on the health care industry index of 97.8 (relative to the national index of 100), chiropractor pay may be slightly below the all-industries average of $108,352 per year. State and experience differences apply.
Which award covers chiropractors in Australia?
Chiropractors are likely covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). Minimum pay rates under this award increased from 1 October 2026 following a gender undervaluation review. You can check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for this award for specific classification rates.
How does chiropractor salary vary by state?
State salary indices provide a benchmark. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825) while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). Chiropractors in states with higher overall earnings, like WA and ACT, may earn more, but individual practice location and patient base also matter.