Occupational therapy salary: awards versus the national minimum wage

What is an occupational therapy salary?

An occupational therapy salary is the pay an occupational therapist receives for assessing and treating people with physical, mental, or developmental conditions. In Australia, most occupational therapists work in health care and social assistance, and their pay is regulated by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (the Award) unless covered by an enterprise agreement. This article compares occupational therapy salary to the national minimum wage and explains where it sits on the Salary Index.

Award rates for occupational therapists

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes minimum rates under the Award. Occupational therapists are classified as Health Professional employees. The Award has multiple levels based on qualifications and experience. For example:

• Level 1 (1st year, AQF Level 5): $1,232.70 per week ($32.44 per hour)
• Level 1 (7th year+): $1,541.30 per week ($40.56 per hour)
• Level 2.1: $1,945.40 per week ($51.19 per hour)
• Level 2.2: $1,983.20 per week ($52.19 per hour)
• Level 3: $1,983.20 per week ($52.19 per hour)
• Level 4: $2,499.10 per week ($65.77 per hour)

These rates apply from 1 July 2026 after the Annual Wage Review increased award minima by 4.75%. A starting occupational therapist earns 23% more than the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). Even the lowest award rate for an occupational therapist ($1,232.70) gives a Salary Index of 59.2.

Median earnings versus award rates

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for occupational therapists (May 2025) are $1,913. That annualises to $99,476, giving an index of 91.8 — below the national line of 100 ($108,352). Interestingly, the median is slightly below the Award Level 2.1 rate of $1,945.40. This suggests many occupational therapists are paid at or near the award minimum, or that part-time work and casual employment pull down the median. The Award also includes casual loading (typically 25%) and penalty rates for weekend or shift work, which can boost take-home pay.

How the Salary Index works

The Salary Index compares yearly gross pay to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). For occupational therapy salary:

• National minimum wage: index 48.2
• Award Level 1 (1st year): index 59.2
• Award Level 2.1: index 93.4
• Median occupational therapist: index 91.8
• Award Level 4: index 120.0

These figures show that experienced occupational therapists can earn above the national average, while early-career therapists earn above the minimum but below the line.

Superannuation and tax considerations

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of the salary (from 1 July 2026). For a therapist earning the median $99,476, that adds $11,937 in super. The super guarantee has a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For tax, a resident earning $99,476 in 2026–27 pays:

• Nil on first $18,200
• 15% on $18,201–$45,000 ($4,020)
• 30% on $45,001–$135,000 ($16,343)
• Plus 2% Medicare levy Total tax around $20,363 plus Medicare $1,990, leaving about $77,123 after tax and before super. This is an estimate; individual circumstances vary.

State and industry comparisons

Occupational therapy salary varies by state. The states page shows New South Wales has an index of 101.2, Victoria 98.0, and Western Australia 106.9. The health care and social assistance industry has an index of 97.8, slightly below the national line. Mining leads at 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9. Occupational therapists are concentrated in health care, so their pay aligns closely with that industry benchmark.

Awards versus enterprise agreements

While the Award sets minimums, many public hospitals and large private providers have enterprise agreements that pay above award. For example, a Level 2 occupational therapist in a Queensland Health agreement might earn $2,100 per week, above the Award Level 2.1 rate. The pay guides section covers how to check if an agreement applies. Always compare your actual pay to the Award minimum — if you earn less, you may be underpaid.

Summary

Occupational therapy salary in Australia starts above the national minimum wage and can reach well above the national line for senior roles. The Award provides a clear floor, but median earnings suggest many therapists are clustered near the lower end of the award structure. Understanding where your pay sits on the Salary Index helps you benchmark against the national average and negotiate effectively. For more on related topics, see industries and topics.