Orthoptist salary: what to expect when comparing job offers
Understand the orthoptist salary landscape in Australia using award minimums and the Salary Index. Compare offers with confidence.
The median full-time orthoptist salary is not published by the ABS, but award minimums for health professionals provide a floor; the index position is uncertain.
Reading a job ad for an orthoptist role
When you see an orthoptist salary in a job advertisement, the first question is: how does it compare to the market? Unfortunately, the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for orthoptists. The data is grouped with optometrists under ANZSCO 2514, and even that combined figure is listed as N/A due to high statistical error Jobs and Skills Australia. That means you cannot rely on a single ‘average’ number. Instead, you need to use award minimums, industry benchmarks, and the Salary Index to assess an offer.
The award floor: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
Orthoptists are health professionals and are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The award sets minimum pay rates for classifications based on qualifications and experience. The available extract from the Fair Work Ombudsman shows rates for AQF Level 5 (typically a diploma or advanced diploma), but orthoptists usually hold a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7). The award likely has higher classifications for degree-qualified professionals, but those rates are not shown in the public extract. As a guide, the AQF Level 5 rates from 1 October 2026 are:
- 1st year: $1,232.70 per week ($64,100 annualised)
- 2nd–3rd year: $1,308.80 per week ($68,058 annualised)
- 4th–6th year: $1,426.00 per week ($74,152 annualised)
- 7th year+: $1,541.30 per week ($80,148 annualised)
These are minimums. Many orthoptists in private practices, hospitals, or with experience earn above award. The award also requires 12% superannuation from 1 July 2026.
Using the Salary Index to compare offers
The Salary Index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, annualised $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). You can calculate an index for any salary offer by dividing the annual gross by $108,352 and multiplying by 100. For example, an orthoptist earning $75,000 per year would have an index of 69.2 (75,000 / 108,352 × 100). That tells you where that pay sits relative to the national line. Compare that to the award minima: the AQF Level 7th year+ index is 74.0. If an ad offers $85,000, that’s index 78.5 – above the award floor but still below the national average. For state and industry context, see the industries page – health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8, but that includes all roles in that sector.
What to look for in a job ad
When reading an orthoptist job ad, check:
- Is the salary expressed as annual, hourly, or per week? Convert to annual for index comparison.
- Does it say ‘above award’ or ‘negotiable’? If it only says ‘award rates apply’, you can calculate the minimum using the award classification.
- Does it include super? Salary figures in ads often exclude super. The super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so add that to the total package.
- Is it full-time, part-time, or casual? Casual rates include a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate.
- Location matters: states have different average earnings. For example, the ACT index is 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. See the states page for details.
Tax and take-home pay
If you’re comparing offers, consider tax. For 2026–27, a resident earning $80,000 pays about $16,000 in income tax (using the tax-free threshold) plus the 2% Medicare levy. That leaves around $64,000 take-home. Use the how the index works page to understand gross-to-net calculations.
Where to find more information
- Salary Index – benchmark any salary against the national line.
- Pay guides – award summaries and minimum rates.
- Topics – other health profession salary guides.
The bottom line
Without a published median orthoptist salary from the ABS, you must rely on award minimums and your own research. An offer above $80,000 annualised (index 74) is above the highest AQF Level 5 award rate. Offers between $70,000 and $90,000 are common for experienced orthoptists in metropolitan areas. Always ask for the classification level and whether the salary includes super. Use the Salary Index to see how an offer stacks up against the national line and your personal expectations.
Questions people ask
What is the average orthoptist salary in Australia?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for orthoptists because the data is too uncertain. Jobs and Skills Australia groups orthoptists with optometrists and reports median earnings as N/A. However, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 sets minimum weekly rates for health professionals at AQF Level 5, which may apply to entry-level orthoptists. From 1 October 2026, that minimum is $1,232.70 per week (annualised $64,100). Experienced orthoptists in private practice or hospitals typically earn more, but a precise average is not publicly available.
How does the orthoptist salary compare to the national average?
Without a published median, a direct comparison is uncertain. The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (index 100). The award minimum for an AQF Level 5 health professional (1st year) is $1,232.70 per week, which is about 59% of the national line. For a 7th-year professional, the minimum rises to $1,541.30 per week (index 74). Actual orthoptist salaries likely fall between these award minimums and the national average, but many factors such as location, employer and experience can push pay above the national average. For state comparisons, see the [states](/states) page.
What award covers orthoptists and what are the minimum pay rates?
Orthoptists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) under the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award includes classification for health professionals at AQF Level 5 (for those with a bachelor degree) may apply. From 1 October 2026, the minimum weekly rates for AQF Level 5 are: 1st year $1,232.70; 2nd–3rd year $1,308.80; 4th–6th year $1,426.00; 7th year+ $1,541.30. These are full-time rates for 38 hours per week. Employers must also pay superannuation at 12% from 1 July 2026. Check the [pay guides](/blog) for more detail on award conditions.