Podiatry Salary: State and Industry Differences in Australia

Podiatry Salary: What You Need to Know

When people ask about a 'podiatry salary', they usually want to know what podiatrists earn across Australia. The answer isn't straightforward because public data is limited. The Australian Bureau of Statistics doesn't publish a reliable median for podiatrists due to a high standard error in its survey. What we do have are award minimums, industry benchmarks, and state comparisons that give a useful picture.

Award Minimums for Podiatrists

Podiatrists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. The award sets minimum pay for health professional employees based on qualifications and experience. A podiatrist with an AQF Level 5 diploma or degree starts at Level 1:

• 1st year: $32.44 per hour, $1,232.70 per week, annualised $64,100. That's a Salary Index of 59.2 – well below the national line of 100.
• 2nd–3rd year: $34.44 per hour, index 63.7.
• 4th–6th year: $37.53 per hour, index 69.5.
• 7th year+: $40.56 per hour, index 74.0.

Higher classifications exist. A Level 2.1 podiatrist (with advanced qualifications or experience) earns $51.19 per hour, $1,945.40 per week, annualised $101,160 – index 93.4. These rates apply from 1 October 2026 after the Fair Work Commission's gender-based undervaluation review.

Remember, these are minimums. Many podiatrists in private practice or specialised clinics earn above award. Casual employees get a 25% loading – for a Level 1 first-year, that's $40.55 per hour.

State Differences in Podiatry Pay

The Salary Index lets you compare average earnings by state. The national line is $108,352 per year (index 100). Here's how states stack up:

• Western Australia: index 106.9 ($115,825 annualised) – above the national line.
• ACT: index 109.9 ($119,090) – highest.
• New South Wales: index 101.2 ($109,658).
• Victoria: index 98.0 ($106,137).
• Queensland: index 97.9 ($106,064).
• South Australia: index 94.6 ($102,450).
• Tasmania: index 88.6 ($96,008) – lowest.

Podiatrists are concentrated in Victoria (35.8%), NSW (26.4%), and Queensland (15.1%). A podiatrist in WA or the ACT might earn more on average than one in Tasmania, but award rates are national – the difference comes from market factors, cost of living, and employer type.

Industry Context

Podiatrists work almost entirely in Health Care and Social Assistance. That industry has a Salary Index of 97.8 – slightly below the national line. Compare that to Mining (154.7) or Retail Trade (75.9). The health industry is large and diverse, so pay can vary within it. Public hospital podiatrists may follow award rates closely, while private practice owners or specialists can earn more.

Putting It All Together

A podiatry salary isn't a single number. If you're starting out, expect award minimums around index 59–74. With experience and higher classification, you could reach index 93 or more. State location matters – see states for a full breakdown. Industry benchmarks are available on industries.

For a broader view of how pay compares across occupations, the Salary Index is your starting point. It shows where any gross annual figure sits against the national line. For example, a podiatrist earning $80,000 has an index of 73.8 – below the average full-time worker. One earning $110,000 has an index of 101.5 – just above the line.

Super and Tax Considerations

Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. On a $80,000 salary, that's $9,600 in super. Income tax for 2026–27 is progressive: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Medicare levy adds 2%. A podiatrist on $80,000 would pay about $13,867 in tax plus $1,600 Medicare levy, leaving roughly $64,533 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).

Final Thoughts

Podiatry salary data is patchy, but award rates and state indices give a solid framework. If you're negotiating pay, know the award minimum for your classification and experience level. Use the how the index works page to calculate your own index. And remember – the national line is a benchmark, not a target. Many professionals earn above or below it depending on their field and location.