Dietician Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences

Dietician salary in Australia: what the award says

When searching for a dietician salary in Australia, you’ll quickly find that official median figures are not published. The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia do not report median weekly earnings for dietitians (ANZSCO 251111) because the sample size is too small. Instead, the most concrete public information comes from the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for health professional employees, including dietitians.

Award classifications for dietitians

Under this award, a dietitian is typically classified as a Health Professional employee. The minimum hourly rate depends on their Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level and years of experience. For a Level 1 dietitian (AQF 5), the rates are:

• 1st year: $32.44 per hour
• 2nd–3rd year: $34.44 per hour
• 4th–6th year: $37.37 per hour
• 7th year and over: $40.56 per hour

For more experienced or senior dietitians, higher levels apply:

• Level 2.1: $51.19 per hour (weekly $1,945.40)
• Level 2.2: $52.19 per hour
• Level 3: $52.19 per hour
• Level 4: $65.77 per hour (weekly $2,499.10)

These are minimums. Many dietitians in hospitals, private practice, or community health may earn above award through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. However, no comprehensive survey of actual earnings exists.

How dietician salary compares to the national index

The Salary Index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which in May 2026 was $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352. Using the award minimums, a full-time dietitian at Level 1 (7th year) earns about $80,000 per year, giving an index of roughly 74. A Level 2.1 dietitian earns roughly $101,000, index 93. Only Level 4 rates exceed the national line. But remember: 51% of dietitians work part-time, so annual earnings are often lower.

State differences for dietitians

State indices for all occupations show clear geographic pay differences. The highest earning states are the ACT (index 109.9), Western Australia (106.9), and New South Wales (101.2). Lower indices apply in Tasmania (88.6) and South Australia (94.6). While dietitian-specific state data is unavailable, dietitians in high-index states likely earn more than those in low-index states. For example, a dietitian in Canberra might command a higher rate than one in Hobart, reflecting the overall labour market.

Industry context: health care and social assistance

Dietitians work overwhelmingly in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry, which has an index of 97.8 – slightly below the national average. This means that even before considering occupation, the industry itself pays a little less than the all-industries average. However, dietitians in public hospitals or community health may have access to better conditions, including superannuation (12% from July 2026) and penalty rates.

What about super and tax

Employers must pay superannuation at 12% of ordinary-time earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). For a dietitian on $80,000, that’s $9,600 per year. After tax (2026–27 rates with 2% Medicare levy), take-home pay on $80,000 is roughly $60,000 after tax (excluding HELP or surcharges).

Where to find more pay information

For other occupations, see our pay guides and industry comparisons on industries. If you’re comparing roles, the topics page covers similar health professionals.

Key takeaways on dietician salary

• No official median exists; award minimums are the best public guide.
• Most dietitians earn below the national index of 100.
• State and industry differences matter: ACT and WA pay more; health care industry is slightly below average.
• Part-time work is common, affecting annual earnings.

Three common questions about dietician salary

What is the average dietician salary in Australia?

There is no published average or median salary for dietitians from the Australian Bureau of Statistics or Jobs and Skills Australia. The best available guide is the minimum rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which range from $32.44 per hour for a Level 1 entry-level dietitian to $65.77 per hour for a Level 4 senior practitioner. Actual earnings depend on experience, location, and employer.

How does a dietician salary compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index is 100 (about $108,352 per year). Most dietitian award rates fall below this index. For example, a Level 1 dietitian at $40.56 per hour (7th year) earns about $80,000 annually, an index of roughly 74. A Level 2.1 dietitian at $51.19 per hour earns about $101,000, an index of 93. Only Level 4 rates exceed the national line. However, many dietitians work part-time, so annual earnings are often lower.

Which states pay the highest for dieticians?

State indices for all occupations show the highest earnings in the ACT (109.9), Western Australia (106.9), and NSW (101.2). While dietitian-specific state-specific data is not available, dietitians in these states likely earn more than those in Tasmania (88.6) or South Australia (94.6). The health care industry index is 97.8, slightly below the national average, so dietitians in that industry may earn close to that benchmark.