Occupational therapist salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index

Occupational therapist salary on the Australian salary index

When you search for "occupational therapist salary" in Australia, you are likely trying to understand how much this profession pays and whether it keeps up with the cost of living. The salary index is a useful tool: it compares any annual gross pay to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is set at 100. For May 2026, that benchmark is $108,352 per year ($2,083.70 per week). An occupational therapist salary can be measured against that line.

Award minimums for occupational therapists

Most occupational therapists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (Fair Work Ombudsman). This award sets minimum rates for health professional employees based on their AQF qualification level and years of experience. From 1 October 2026, after the Fair Work Commission's gender undervaluation review, the rates increased significantly.

• Level 1 (AQF Level 5, diploma): $1,232.70/week (index 59) to $1,541.30/week (index 74) depending on experience.
• Level 2.1 (likely entry for bachelor's degree holders): $1,945.40/week (index 93.4).
• Level 2.2: $1,983.20/week (index 95.2).
• Level 3: $1,983.20/week (index 95.2).
• Level 4 (senior or specialist): $2,499.10/week (index 120).

These are minimums. Many occupational therapists in public hospitals or NDIS services are paid above award through enterprise agreements.

Median earnings from the ABS

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for occupational therapists was $1,913 in May 2025 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours). That annualises to about $99,476, giving an index of 91.8. This is slightly below the national line but close to the award Level 2.1 rate. The median hourly rate was $50.

Note that the median is for non-managerial full-time employees. It does not include part-time workers (37% of occupational therapists work part-time) or those in senior roles. The profession is 92% female, with a median age of 33.

How the salary index helps

The salary index lets you see where an occupational therapist salary sits relative to other jobs. For example:

• National minimum wage: $52,255/year (index 48.2).
• Health care and social assistance industry average: index 97.8.
• Professional, scientific and technical services: index 114.7.
• Mining: index 154.7.

An occupational therapist at the median (index 91.8) is below the health industry average but above the national minimum. A senior therapist at award Level 4 (index 120) exceeds the national line.

State and territory variations

Where you work affects your buying power. The salary index for each state (based on average earnings) shows:

• ACT: 109.9
• WA: 106.9
• NSW: 101.2
• VIC: 98.0
• QLD: 97.9
• SA: 94.6
• NT: 95.2
• TAS: 88.6

Occupational therapists in Canberra or Perth may earn higher wages to match the higher cost of living, but award rates are national. Enterprise agreements or private practice fees can adjust for location.

Career progression and pay growth

An occupational therapist typically starts at Level 1 or 2 under the award. With experience and further qualifications, you can move to Level 3 or 4. Some move into management, education, or private practice where earnings can exceed $120,000 (index 110+). The NDIS has also increased demand, pushing up salaries in the disability sector.

Superannuation and tax

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% on top of your salary, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a $100,000 salary, your employer adds $12,000 to your super fund.

For tax, the 2026–27 resident rates apply: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. An occupational therapist earning $99,476 would pay about $23,467 in tax and Medicare, leaving around $76,009 take-home (excluding HELP repayments or salary sacrifice).

Where to find more information

• Salary Index – compare any salary to the national line.
• Pay guides – see award rates for health professionals.
• How the index works – understand the calculation.
• States – see how your state compares.
• Industries – health care and social assistance benchmarks.

Summary

An occupational therapist salary in Australia typically sits around index 92–94, close to the national average but slightly below. With experience and specialisation, you can reach index 120 or higher. The award rates from October 2026 have improved pay, reflecting the value of this essential health profession.